title: Large-scale bone mineral histomorphometry-report of a simplified technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was the development of a simplified technique for bone mineral histomorphology on large undecalcified bone samples. Established techniques, such as undecalcified bone thin sectioning, ultrathin grinding, surface-stained block grinding and micro-computerized tomography (CT), are expensive, time-consuming and put very high demands on equipment, safety standards, personnel and laboratory facilities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The method is based on the surface-stained block-grinding principle; however, its novelty lies in the selection of user-friendly, safe and low-cost materials, equipment and digitization techniques. We describe in detail the relevant steps, as well as many practical tips for their successful implementation: accurate bone cutting in thin sections with a customized arrangement on a commercial bandsaw, defatting with sodium hypochlorite, embedding in epoxy resin blocks at room temperature, silicon carbide paper grinding, von Kossa staining, flatbed scanner digitization and image processing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We believe that the proposed methodology could contribute to the expansion of the study of bone tissue, as it enables the rapid examination of bone specimens on a large scale with minimal laboratory requirements and consumables costs.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Athens University, Athens, Greece. vkarantz@gmx.net
authors.forename: Vasilis
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Karantzoulis
authors.forename: Charis
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liapi
authors.forename: Panagiotis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Papaggelopoulos
authors.forename: Panayiotis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Papagelopoulos
mesh_terms: D015519:Bone Density; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000473:pathology*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D006652:Histological Techniques / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D008867:Microtomy
chemical_list: D004853:Epoxy Resins