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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Trabecular Bone Microarchitecture Evaluation in an Osteoporosis Mouse Model
Published on: September 8, 2023
Comparison of gross and histopathologic findings with quantitative computed tomographic bone density in the distal
Martha G Drum1, Christopher E Kawcak, Robert W Norrdin
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. mdrum@utk.edu
Insights
Quantitative computed tomography (CT) measures of subchondral bone density did not strongly correlate with osteochondral lesion severity in racehorses. However, mean voxel standard deviation showed some predictive value for mild lesions.
Area of Science:
- Equine orthopedics
- Veterinary radiology
- Bone pathology
Background:
- Osteochondral lesions in the distal third metacarpal bone are a common cause of lameness in racing horses.
- Quantitative computed tomography (CT) offers a non-invasive method to assess subchondral bone density.
- The correlation between CT-derived bone density metrics and histopathological findings in equine metacarpal bones remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between quantitative CT (qCT) parameters (mean density and mean voxel standard deviation) and the presence and severity of osteochondral lesions.
- To compare qCT findings with gross and histopathological assessments of the palmar aspect of the distal third metacarpal bone in racing horses.
Main Methods:
- Nine racing horses' metacarpophalangeal joints were imaged using CT.
- Subchondral bone density and voxel standard deviation were measured from 3D CT models.
- Histopathological analysis of bone sections included scoring for microscopic lesions and subchondral remodeling.
- Gross damage was also scored, and percent subchondral bone was calculated.
Main Results:
- Mean quantitative CT density showed no significant association with lesion severity or number.
- A weak correlation was observed between mean quantitative CT density and gross lesion scores, but it was not predictive.
- Mean voxel standard deviation was not correlated with gross or histopathological measures but could predict mild osteochondral lesions.
- Subchondral remodeling was associated with palmar metacarpal lesions.
Conclusions:
- While subchondral remodeling is linked to palmar metacarpal lesions, quantitative CT density and voxel standard deviation do not strongly correlate with histopathological findings in this equine model.
- Further research may be needed to refine CT-based assessments for detecting early or subtle changes in equine subchondral bone.
Abstract:
Comparison of subchondral bone density determined by quantitative computed tomography (CT) with gross and histopathologic changes have not been made in horses. The goal of this study was to determine if mean quantitative CT density and mean voxel standard deviation are associated with the presence and severity of osteochondral lesions in the palmar aspect of the distal third metacarpal bone in racing horses. Metacarpophalangeal joints from nine racehorses were imaged using CT and scored for gross damage. Four-millimeter-thick sagittal and 30 degrees palmar dorsal plane sections were cut, decalcified and stained with hematoxylin and eosin from the distal third metacarpal bone. Microscopic osteochondral lesions and subchondral remodeling were scored on a scale of 0-3. Percent subchondral bone, expressed as the ratio of bone volume to tissue volume, was also measured. Mean quantitative CT density and mean voxel standard deviation were measured from three-dimensional models of CT images comparable with histologic sections. Mean quantitative CT density was not associated with lesion severity or number of lesions. A weak correlation between mean quantitative CT density and gross score was found, but mean quantitative CT density was not predictive for gross score. Mean voxel standard deviation was not correlated with gross or histopathologic measures, but was predictive of mild osteochondral lesions. Results support the association of subchondral remodeling with the development of palmar metacarpal lesions. However, there was not a strong correlation between mean quantitative CT density or mean voxel standard deviation and histopathologic lesions of the distal third metacarpal bone.
