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Trabecular Bone Microarchitecture Evaluation in an Osteoporosis Mouse Model
Published on: September 8, 2023
Guidelines for assessment of bone microstructure in rodents using micro-computed tomography.
Mary L Bouxsein1, Stephen K Boyd, Blaine A Christiansen
1Center for Advanced Orthopedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA. mbouxsei@bidmc.harvard.edu
Summary
Standardized reporting guidelines for micro-computed tomography (microCT) bone analysis are essential. This article provides recommendations for consistent terminology, methods, and outcome variables in microCT studies of rodent bone morphology.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Skeletal Biology
- Quantitative Bone Histomorphometry
Background:
- Micro-computed tomography (microCT) is widely used for assessing bone morphology.
- Inconsistent reporting of microCT acquisition and analysis parameters hinders result interpretation and cross-study comparisons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish standardized terminology and reporting guidelines for microCT-based bone morphometry and density measurements.
- To ensure consistency and accuracy in ex vivo analysis of rodent bone specimens.
Main Methods:
- Recommendations for standardized terminology and units.
- Guidelines for detailing experimental methods, including image acquisition (scanning medium, X-ray potential, voxel size) and image processing (filtration, segmentation).
- Definition of a minimal set of outcome variables for trabecular and cortical bone morphometry.
Main Results:
- Proposed standardized nomenclature for microCT bone analysis.
- Specific parameters recommended for reporting, including image acquisition details and processing algorithms.
- Defined minimal reporting variables for trabecular bone (bone volume fraction, number, thickness, separation) and cortical bone (total area, bone area, bone area fraction, thickness).
Conclusions:
- Adherence to these guidelines will improve the reproducibility and comparability of microCT bone studies.
- Standardized reporting ensures accurate and consistent microCT-derived bone morphometry and density measurements.
- These recommendations are crucial for advancing skeletal research using microCT technology.
