Reproducibility of trabecular structure analysis using flat-panel volume computed tomography

To determine inter-scan, inter-reader and intra-reader variability of trabecular structure analysis using flat-panel volume computed tomography (fp-VCT) in cadaver knee specimens.

Five explanted knee specimens were imaged at three different time points using fp-VCT. Four parameters that quantify trabecular bone structure of the proximal tibia were measured by two observers at two different time points. Bland-Altman analysis was used to compute the inter-scan, inter-observer and intra-observer variability.

Inter-scan variability was low, with a mean difference of 0% and a standard deviation less than 8.4% for each of the four parameters. The inter-observer and intra-observer variability was less than 2.8% +/- 8.5%.

Fp-VCT is a method for assessing trabecular structure parameters with low inter-scan, inter-reader and intra-reader variability.