Noninvasive assessment of bone structure

Abstract

Bone fragility is determined by bone mass and trabecular structure. While bone mass can be readily measured as bone density, bone trabecular structure cannot be easily assessed by currently available methods. The realization of the importance of bone structure in determining fracture risk has led to the development of several imaging modalities aimed at evaluating the contribution of bone quality to its biomechanical strength and fragility. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography have limited spatial resolution and high cost but have a potential to generate true three-dimensional images of trabecular structure in vivo. Bone radiographs subjected to various forms of texture analysis have higher resolution and lower cost but provide only a two-dimensional representation of bone structure. Both two- and three-dimensional methods have been shown to predict biomechanical strength in vitro and to differentiate between subjects with and without fractures in vivo. Therefore, all of these methods deserve closer evaluation and also need further technical improvements before they can be considered for use in clinical practice.

Sex and ethnic differences in bone architecture

“…The most recent, significant developments in methods for the noninvasive evaluation of bone structure are based on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [25]. High-resolution CT techniques can be used in vivo, but the more informative micro-CT methods are used mainly in vitro and in small animals, although application to peripheral skeletal sites in vivo is possible.…”

Current technologies in the evaluation of bone architecture

“…These studies span a host of different computerized methodologies, and validation studies and small sample-size patient studies have been conducted. An article devoted to this material was published recently by Vokes and Favus [49].…”

Noninvasive Raman spectroscopy of rat tibiae: approach toin vivoassessment of bone quality

“…[2][3][4] Existing noninvasive technologies used to monitor bone evaluate the morphology and calcium content, but provide no direct information on other properties of the tissue. [5][6][7][8][9] Vibrational spectroscopy has proved useful in the study of bone development, bone biomechanics, and bone pathologies because it provides this composition information. 10,11 Unlike infrared spectroscopy, which provides essentially similar information, Raman spectroscopy suffers little from water interference; therefore, it is applicable to fresh tissue and in vivo measurements.…”