title: Effects of dose reduction on bone strength prediction using finite element analysis.
abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dose reduction, by means of tube exposure reduction, on bone strength prediction from finite-element (FE) analysis. Fresh thoracic mid-vertebrae specimens (n = 11) were imaged, using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), at different intensities of X-ray tube exposures (80, 150, 220 and 500 mAs). Bone mineral density (BMD) was estimated from the mid-slice of each specimen from MDCT images. Differences in image quality and geometry of each specimen were measured. FE analysis was performed on all specimens to predict fracture load. Paired t-tests were used to compare the results obtained, using the highest CT dose (500 mAs) as reference. Dose reduction had no significant impact on FE-predicted fracture loads, with significant correlations obtained with reference to 500 mAs, for 80 mAs (R2= 0.997, p < 0.001), 150 mAs (R2= 0.998, p < 0.001) and 220 mAs (R2= 0.987, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in volume quantification between the different doses examined. CT imaging radiation dose could be reduced substantially to 64% with no impact on strength estimates obtained from FE analysis. Reduced CT dose will enable early diagnosis and advanced monitoring of osteoporosis and associated fracture risk.
authors.affiliation: Engineering Product Development (EPD) Pillar, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), 8 Somapah Road, 487372, Singapore.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Anitha
authors.affiliation: Engineering Product Development (EPD) Pillar, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), 8 Somapah Road, 487372, Singapore.
authors.forename: Karupppasamy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Subburaj
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mei
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Felix K
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Kopp
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Orthopaedics, Biomechanical Laboratory, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Foehr
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Peter B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Noel
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Muenchen, Germany.
authors.forename: Jan S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kirschke
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Baum
mesh_terms: D015519:Bone Density; D001842:Bone and Bones; D005260:Female; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D050723:Fractures, Bone; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D008875:Middle Aged; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed