An application of the Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence to the classification of knee function and detection of improvement due to total knee replacement surgery

J Biomech. 2006;39(13):2512-20. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2005.07.024. Epub 2005 Sep 12.

Abstract

This paper utilises a novel method for the classification of subjects with osteoarthritic and normal knee function. The classification method comprises a number of different components. Firstly, the method exploits the Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence allowing for a degree of ignorance in the subject's classification, i.e., a level of uncertainty as to whether a gait variable indicates osteoarthritis or not. Secondly, the inclusion of simplex plots allows both the classification of a subject, and the contribution of each associated gait variable to that classification, to be represented visually. As a result, the method is further able to highlight periodic changes in a subject's knee function due to total knee replacement surgery and subsequent recovery. The visual representation enables a simple clinical interpretation of the results from the quantitative analysis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee* / classification
  • Female
  • Gait
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / physiology*
  • Knee Joint / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged