Digital pixel data is obtained from radiographic imaging of one or more objects, and corresponds to an imaged area containing a feature to be measured. A data profile for a region around the measured feature is created from the digital pixel data. A reference profile is then created from the data profile. The reference profile represents an expected data profile for a reference condition of the objects, and accounts for the point spread function of the imager. The difference between the data profile and the reference profile is calculated. Based on that difference, the degree by which the actual condition of the objects varies from the reference condition is determined. The calculated difference can be compared to a lookup table mapping previously calculated differences to degrees of variation from the reference condition. The calculated difference can also be used as an input to an experimentally derived formula.

A radiological imaging orientation indicator includes a linear indication member having a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape and means for positioning the indication member adjacent a patient's body. When the indication member is located adjacent the patient's body and a sectional scanning image is produced, a cross-section of the indication member will appear in the scanning image, indicating an orientation of the patient's body with respect to the scanning image. The linear indication member is in the form of either of an extruded letter, number and symbol which may be hollow with one or more liquids trapped inside to indicate vertical orientation. The means for positioning the indication member include pants, vests, caps, visors, eyeglass frames, sandals, gloves and collars that can only be attached to a patient's body in one way, thereby preventing confusion in determining the orientation of a scanning image. The invention includes orientation indicators for standard X-rays.