title: High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography for the assessment of bone strength and structure: a review by the Canadian Bone Strength Working Group.
abstract: Bone structure is an integral determinant of bone strength. The availability of high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) has made it possible to measure three-dimensional bone microarchitecture and volumetric bone mineral density in vivo, with accuracy previously unachievable and with relatively low-dose radiation. Recent studies using this novel imaging tool have increased our understanding of age-related changes and sex differences in bone microarchitecture, as well as the effect of different pharmacological therapies. One advantage of this novel tool is the use of finite element analysis modelling to non-invasively estimate bone strength and predict fractures using reconstructed three-dimensional images. In this paper, we describe the strengths and limitations of HR-pQCT and review the clinical studies using this tool.
authors.affiliation: Centre of Excellence in Skeletal Health Assessment, Department of Medicine and Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Angela M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Cheung
authors.forename: Jonathan D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Adachi
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Hanley
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Kendler
authors.forename: K Shawn
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Davison
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Josse
authors.forename: Jacques P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Louis-Georges
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Ste-Marie
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kremer
authors.forename: Marta C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Erlandson
authors.forename: Larry
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dian
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Burghardt
authors.forename: Steven K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Boyd
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D015519:Bone Density; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002170:Canada; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*