Computed tomography-osteoabsorptiometry for assessing the density distribution of subchondral bone as a measure of long-term mechanical adaptation in individual joints.
To estimate subchondral mineralisation patterns which represent the long-term loading history of individual joints, a method has been developed employing computed tomography (CT) which permits repeated examination of living joints. The method was tested on 5 knee, 3 sacroiliac, 3 ankle and 5 shoulder joints and then investigated with X-ray densitometry. A CT absorptiometric presentation and maps of the area distribution of the subchondral bone density areas were derived using an image analyser. Comparison of the results from both X-ray densitometry and CT-absorptiometry revealed almost identical pictures of distribution of the subchondral bone density. The method may be used to examine subchondral mineralisation as a measure of the mechanical adaptability of joints in the living subject.
Müller-Gerbl
M
M
Anatomische Anstalt München, Universität Freiburg, Federal Republic of Germany.
Putz
R
R
Hodapp
N
N
Schulte
E
E
Wimmer
B
B
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000379:methods*; D001175:Arthrography / Q000379:methods; D015519:Bone Density; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000378:metabolism*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012984:Software; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*