[Analysis of trabecular microstructure using micro-computed tomography].
Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a special CT to examine biopsy bone samples or small animal bones in vitro, and it can provide high resolution images (20-30 microns) precisely representing the two-dimensional and three-dimensional microstructure of the trabecular bone. The quantification of trabecular connectivity and anisotropy, which is believed to be strongly related to the bone strength, can be done with micro-CT. In comparison with histomorphometry and scanning electron microscopy, micro-CT has the advantage of requiring less efforts and time. Besides, micro-CT provides higher resolution than micro-magnetic resonance. So far, micro-CT is believed to be the best method to analyze the three-dimensional structure in vitro.
Ito
M
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Department of Radiology, Nagasaki University School of Medicine.
D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*