Research Projects
Automated image analysis for bone age assessment and disease prognostication in idiopathic scoliosis


Programme(s) to which this project applies:
☑ MPhil/PhD ☒ MRes[Med] ☒ URIS

Objectives and Significance

In the daily practice of orthopaedic surgery, the assessment of bone age in growing patients is important for clinical decision making. This assessment is performed through the viewing of radiographs. The establishment of an automated system in assessing bone age will improve the efficiency of the process of patient consultation and can eliminate any discrepancies of assessment among surgeons. Our very own distal radius and ulna (DRU) classification developed in the Department requires such automated system to aid clinical practice at our largest scoliosis specialist clinic in Hong Kong. Also, such automated system should allow the prediction of scoliosis in relation to growth status.

Research Plan and Methodology

Based on clinical and radiological data, this study involves the building of computer software system for the recognition of automated structures of the hand and wrist and related regions, and automated grading and scoring output. The system will be validated and evaluated for its accuracy and clinical performance of bone age assessment. Prediction modelling will be utilized for the prognostication of disease progression.

Dr WHP Cheung, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

This supervisor has research focuses of the use of big data, skeletal maturity and spinal deformity, as well as patient's HRQoL. She has large extent of experiences and publications in clinical orthpaedic researches, especially in scoliosis and low back pain. 

Biography
HKU Scholars Hub
ORCID
gnuehcp6@hku.hk

For more information or to express interest for this project, please email the supervisor or the specified contact point in the project description.  Interested candidates are advised to enclose with your email:

  1. your CV,
  2. a brief description of your research interest and experience, and
  3. two reference letters (not required for HKUMed UG students seeking MRes[Med]/URIS projects).

Information on the research programme, funding support and admission documentations could be referenced online at the Research Postgraduate Admissions website. General admission enquiries should be directed to rpgmed@hku.hk.

HKUMed MBBS students interested in the Master of Research in Medicine (MRes[Med]) programme may visit the programme website for more information.  

HKUMed UG students interested in the Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme (URIS) may visit the scheme’s website for more information. 

Research @ Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology