Magnetic resonance microscopy for the quantitative analysis of trabecular bone architecture

A major concern for long-term spaceflight is the effect of microgravity on bone structure and mass as a loss of cortical and trabecular bone volume and density, both of which can lead to decreased bone strength and an increased risk of bone fracture. Detailed analysis of the three-dimensional structure of trabecular bone, and its relation to bone strength has become feasible only recently using high-resolution 3D imaging techniques. In particular, magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) has proved to be particularly useful for the ex vivo evaluation of the complex architecture of trabecular bone. In this study, we describe the use of two different MRM-based methods for the quantitative evaluation of the three-dimensional structure of trabecular bone explants and for the prediction of their biomechanical properties. The in vivo application of such methods is also discussed.