High resolution image in bone biology I. Review of the literature.
Bone microstructure has usually been assessed by obtaining samples invasively and analyzing them with conventional histomorphometric methods. Improvements in high-resolution image acquisition systems have enabled non-invasive assessment of bone morphology and a more precise 3-D evaluation by means of "virtual biopsies", permitting bone assessment in regeneration or remodeling processes. This review describes the characteristics and limitations of bone assessment using different high-resolution image systems (synchrotron-radiation computed tomography, micro-computed tomography, acoustic scanning microscope; micro-magnetic resonance imaging). Morphometric variables that can be obtained from these images are reported and compared with conventional histomorphometric variables.
Cano
Jorge
J
School of Dentistry, UCM, Madrid. jo.cano@wanadoo.es
Campo
Julián
J
Vaquero
Juan José
JJ
Martínez
Jose María
JM
Bascones
Antonio
A
D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D033401:Microscopy, Acoustic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed