Article

Evaluation of a microcomputed tomography system to study trabecular bone structure

  1. J. L. Kuhn1,*,
  2. S. A. Goldstein1,
  3. L. A. Feldkamp2,
  4. R. W. Goulet1,
  5. G. Jesion2

Article first published online: 18 FEB 2005

DOI: 10.1002/jor.1100080608

Issue

Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Volume 8, Issue 6, pages 833–842, November 1990

Additional Information

How to Cite

Kuhn, J. L., Goldstein, S. A., Feldkamp, L. A., Goulet, R. W. and Jesion, G. (1990), Evaluation of a microcomputed tomography system to study trabecular bone structure. J. Orthop. Res., 8: 833–842. doi: 10.1002/jor.1100080608

Author Information

  1. 1

    Biomechanics, Trauma, and Sports Medicine Laboratory, Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, U.S.A.

  2. 2

    Physics Department, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.A.

*Biomechanics, Trauma, and Sports Medicine Laboratory, The University of Michigan, Section of Orthopaedic Surgery, G-0161, 400 N. Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0486

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 18 FEB 2005
  2. Article first published online: 18 FEB 2005
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 14 MAR 1990
  4. Manuscript Received: 21 MAR 1988

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Keywords:

  • Trabecular bone;
  • Morphology;
  • Architecture;
  • Digital imaging

Abstract

A new microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) system and thresholding procedure was evaluated as a tool for nondestructive analysis of trabecular bone. Images of 6-mm trabecular bone cubes acquired from the micro-CT system were compared with optical images of corresponding histologic sections to determine the accuracy of representation. The stereologic measures of bone volume fraction (Pp) and trabecular plate densty (PL) were used to quantify the comparisons. The results showed that the micro-CT measures of Pp were not significantly different from those measured from histologic sections and therefore were very accurate. Measures of PL were different by approximately 14%, which translated into discrepancies in trabecular plate thicknesses of about 19 μm. This difference was significantly correlated to the microstructural characteristics of the specific specimen scanned. The precision of both measurements was excellent.

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