title: Bone mineral analysis using single-energy computed tomography.
abstract: We present a new method for evaluating in vivo changes in bone mineralization in the peripheral skeleton, using computed tomography (CT). A set of bone mineralization indices are generated from numerous CT images of the patient's distal radius. The cross-sectional anatomy displayed by the CT scan allows for separate evaluation of the cortical and trabecular bone. Correction for possible drift of the CT number scale (Hounsfield scale) is achieved by scanning standard solutions of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate simultaneously with the forearm. Preliminary data indicate that this is a precise method for evaluating in vivo changes in bone mineralization.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002102:Cadaver; D002128:Calcium Metabolism Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003649:Decalcification, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011884:Radius / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014457:Ulna / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology