On the use of a fuzzy object-relational database for retrieval of X-rays on the basis of spine curvature pattern similarities

Abstract

In medical practice radiologists use X-rays to diagnose and treat scoliosis, which is a medical condition that affects the spine. Doctors usually compare patients' X-rays to other images with known diagnosis so that they can propose a similar treatment. Since digital medical images are usually stored in large databases, an automatic way to retrieve them could truly help radiologists. In this paper we show how a Fuzzy Object-Relational Database System can be used to provide flexible querying mechanisms to retrieve the similar images. We present the main system capabilities to represent and store curvature pattern descriptions and how queries on them are solved. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.