Exploring the Efficacy of Base Data Augmentation Methods in Deep Learning-Based Radiograph Classification of Knee Joint Osteoarthritis

• Published in: Algorithms Vol. 17; no. 1; p. 8
• Main Authors: Prezja, Fabi, Annala, Leevi, Kiiskinen, Sampsa, Ojala, Timo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01-01-2024
• Subjects: Arthritis; Artificial intelligence; Classification; Data augmentation; Data collection; data variability; Datasets; Deep learning; Development and progression; global disability; GNP; Gross National Product; Knee; knee joint osteoarthritis (KOA); Machine learning; Medical imaging; Medical imaging equipment; Methods; Neural networks; Osteoarthritis; Patients' rights; Privacy, Right of; technique selection; X-rays
• ISSN: 1999-4893; 1999-4893
• DOI: 10.3390/a17010008

Diagnosing knee joint osteoarthritis (KOA), a major cause of disability worldwide, is challenging due to subtle radiographic indicators and the varied progression of the disease. Using deep learning for KOA diagnosis requires broad, comprehensive datasets. However, obtaining these datasets poses significant challenges due to patient privacy and data collection restrictions. Additive data augmentation, which enhances data variability, emerges as a promising solution. Yet, it’s unclear which augmentation techniques are most effective for KOA. Our study explored data augmentation methods, including adversarial techniques. We used strategies like horizontal cropping and region of interest (ROI) extraction, alongside adversarial methods such as noise injection and ROI removal. Interestingly, rotations improved performance, while methods like horizontal split were less effective. We discovered potential confounding regions using adversarial augmentation, shown in our models’ accurate classification of extreme KOA grades, even without the knee joint. This indicated a potential model bias towards irrelevant radiographic features. Removing the knee joint paradoxically increased accuracy in classifying early-stage KOA. Grad-CAM visualizations helped elucidate these effects. Our study contributed to the field by pinpointing augmentation techniques that either improve or impede model performance, in addition to recognizing potential confounding regions within radiographic images of knee osteoarthritis.