Bone Strength Assessment Based on CT Images Using a Network Spring Model for Radiation Therapy Patients

In radiation therapy, especially using intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a high dose of ionizing radiation is delivered to the patient and, therefore, the bone health is a major concern for young patients. What is more, many tumors, like soft tissue sarcomas, are located in close proximity to bone. High energy radiation unavoidably exerts negative impacts not only on bone physiological properties, but also on its mechanical and structural properties. As a result, bone fracture risk for these patients is increased significantly. Thus, it is necessary to develop a quantitative noninvasive screening technique to identify these high risk patients.