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Updated: May 15, 2026
Trabecular Bone Microarchitecture Evaluation in an Osteoporosis Mouse Model
Published on: September 8, 2023
Trabecular microarchitecture in established osteoporosis: relationship between vertebrae, distal radius and calcaneus
F Mallard1, B Bouvard, P Mercier
1LUNAM, Angers University, Bone remodeling and biomaterials study group GEROM-LHEA, IRIS-IBS Biology Institute of Health, Angers Universitary Hospital Center, 49933 Angers Cedex, France.
Introduction:
Osteoporosis is an alteration of bone mass and microarchitecture leading to an increased risk of fractures. A radiograph is a 2D projection of the 3D bone network exposing a texture, that can be assessed by texture analysis. We compared the trabecular microarchitecture of the spine, radius and calcaneus in a series of osteoporotic cadavers.
Materials And Methods:
Thirty-four cadavers (11 men, 23 women), mean age 85.2±2.1years, were radiographed from T4 to L5 to identify those with vertebral fractures (FV). Non-fractured vertebrae (NFV), radius and calcaneus were taken and analyzed by densitometry, radiography and texture analysis under run-length, skeletonization of the trabeculae, and fractal geometry.
Results:
Six subjects (five women, one man) were selected, mean age 82.5±5.5years. Twelve calcanei and 10 radii were taken. Two radii were excluded. The texture of NFV was significantly correlated (P<0.01) with that of the radius for horizontal run-lengths. No relationship between the texture of NFV and calcaneus was found.
Discussion:
In the horizontal direction (perpendicular to the stress lines), the microarchitecture of NFV and radius showed a disappearance of the transverse rods anchoring the plates. Due to its particular microarchitecture, the calcaneus is not representative of the vertebral status.
Conclusion:
Bone densitometry provides no information about microarchitecture. Texture analysis of X-ray images of the radius would be a minimally invasive tool, providing an early detection of microarchitectural alterations.
Level Of Evidence:
IV retrospective study.
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