Novel techniques for assessment of bone tissue material properties

Abstract

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review will be to shed light on novel techniques for assessment of bone tissue material properties. Recent findingsRecently there has been an increase in modalities to investigate bone tissue material properties. Historically, clinicians treating patients with bone disorders have relied upon the use of bone mineral density (BMD) as assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Although DXA provides an ability to screen at a large-scale population level, it only explains about 60% of the fracture risk. Recent advances include the use of imaging modalities, responses to load, and novel infrared (IR) techniques.

Magnetic resonance imaging for jawbone assessment: a systematic review

“…Advancements in MRI, primarily known for its application in soft tissue evaluation, have extended to include quantitative bone imaging and microstructural analysis [3]. For instance, the ability of MRI to detect interactions between water, fat, and blood within marrow tissues has enabled the assessment of different trabecular and cortical characteristics [4,5]. Additionally, indirect assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) by quantifying bone mineral fat (BMF) can offer an alternative approach to the conventional X-ray imaging techniques commonly used for osteoporosis diagnosis, fracture risk prediction, and treatment planning [6].…”

Skeletal health in diabetes

“…Bone density alone does not contribute to fracture risk especially in people with diabetes and studying bone structural and tissue material properties is key to our understanding of influence of diabetes on skeletal health. In this issue, an article by Dr. Rao [21] provided in depth review of novel techniques to assess bone material properties that may be helpful to assess fracture risk and treatment monitoring in people with bone fragility.…”