title: Noninvasive imaging of bone microarchitecture.
abstract: The noninvasive quantification of peripheral compartment-specific bone microarchitecture is feasible with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI). In addition to classic morphometric indices, both techniques provide a suitable basis for virtual biomechanical testing using finite element (FE) analyses. Methodical limitations, morphometric parameter definition, and motion artifacts have to be considered to achieve optimal data interpretation from imaging studies. With increasing availability of in vivo high-resolution bone imaging techniques, special emphasis should be put on quality control including multicenter, cross-site validations. Importantly, conclusions from interventional studies investigating the effects of antiosteoporotic drugs on bone microarchitecture should be drawn with care, ideally involving imaging scientists, translational researchers, and clinicians.
authors.affiliation: Musculoskeletal Quantitative Imaging Research, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA. janina.patsch@ucsf.edu
authors.forename: Janina M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Patsch
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Burghardt
authors.forename: Galateia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kazakia
authors.forename: Sharmila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Majumdar
mesh_terms: D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical / Q000379:methods