[Assessment of bone quality--present and future].

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Bone quality, encompassing structural and material properties, is crucial for skeletal integrity.
• Bone remodeling significantly influences bone quality and biomechanical performance.
• Current assessments of bone quality are predominantly in vitro.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and differentiate bone structural and material properties.
• To highlight the impact of bone remodeling on these properties.
• To explore the potential of noninvasive assessment for future osteoporosis therapy.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of bone structural properties (e.g., geometry, size, microstructure, cortical thickness/porosity).
• Evaluation of bone material properties (e.g., mineralization, crystal size, collagen, microdamage).
• Review of current in vitro assessment techniques.

Main Results:

• Bone quality is characterized by distinct structural and material properties.
• Bone remodeling is a primary determinant of both structural and material bone characteristics.
• In vitro methods are currently standard for detailed bone quality analysis.

Conclusions:

• Noninvasive assessment of bone quality holds promise for guiding osteoporosis management.
• A comprehensive understanding of bone structural and material properties is essential.
• Future research should focus on developing and validating noninvasive techniques.