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Updated: May 13, 2026
Assessment of Bone Fracture Healing Using Micro-Computed Tomography
Published on: December 9, 2022
Evaluation of bone mineral density and morphology using pQCT in children after spinal cord injury
Andrew Biggin1, Julie N Briody, Kim A Ramjan
1Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network , Westmead, Sydney , Australia.
Objective:
To evaluate the effects of spinal cord injury (SCI) on bone density and morphology in children using peripheral quantitative computer tomography (pQCT).
Design:
Retrospective cohort study of 19 paediatric patients with SCI (9 paraplegics and 10 tetraplegics).
Results:
There was significant reduction in tibial metaphysial volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), diaphysial cortical cross-sectional area (CSA), cortical thickness and polar strength-strain index. There was a significant loss of calf muscle CSA. Those who were able to stand had greater trabecular vBMD, tibial cortical thickness and tibial muscle CSA Z-scores. Lower limb fractures did not occur if tibial trabecular vBMD was greater than 100 mg/cm³. Tibial geometry following SCI was more circular compared to controls.
Conclusions:
pQCT provides a valuable insight into the regional changes in bone and muscle development in children following SCI. Residual muscle function with the ability to weight bear provides a significant benefit to bone development.
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