Bone Reports, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bonr.2019.100233 · Published: January 1, 2020
This study introduces a global 2D morphometric step into the analysis process of bone microarchitecture using Micro-Computed Tomography. This provides a survey of the underlying morphometric variation present throughout both trabecular and cortical bone. The study applies this method to the distal femur of a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced osteoporosis, quantifying the 2D morphometric variation of both trabecular and cortical bone as a function of bone length. The techniques are applicable to other long bones and experimental designs, including the effects of rehabilitation, aging, loading, gene knockout, and pharmacological intervention.
The 2D morphometric analysis provides a systematic approach to VOI selection, adding rationale and confidence to subsequent 3D morphometric analysis.
The global approach allows for the quantification of entire trabecular and cortical structures, maintaining information on the spatial variability and extent of morphometric parameters.
The techniques are equally applicable to other long bones, imaging modalities, and experimental designs, including rehabilitation, aging, and pharmacological intervention studies.