Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Patient-Specific Phantomless Estimation of Bone Mineral Density and Its Effects on Finite Element Analysis Results: A
Young Han Lee1, Jung Jin Kim2, In Gwun Jang2
1Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea.
Objectives:
This study proposes a regression model for the phantomless Hounsfield units (HU) to bone mineral density (BMD) conversion including patient physical factors and analyzes the accuracy of the estimated BMD values.
Methods:
The HU values, BMDs, circumferences of the body, and cross-sectional areas of bone were measured from 39 quantitative computed tomography images of L2 vertebrae and hips. Then, the phantomless HU-to-BMD conversion was derived using a multiple linear regression model. For the statistical analysis, the correlation between the estimated BMD values and the reference BMD values was evaluated using Pearson's correlation test. Voxelwise BMD and finite element analysis (FEA) results were analyzed in terms of root-mean-square error (RMSE) and strain energy density, respectively.
Results:
The HU values and circumferences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for the lumbar spine, whereas only the HU values were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for the proximal femur. The BMD values estimated using the proposed HU-to-BMD conversion were significantly correlated with those measured using the reference phantom: Pearson's correlation coefficients of 0.998 and 0.984 for the lumbar spine and proximal femur, respectively. The RMSEs of the estimated BMD values for the lumbar spine and hip were 4.26 ± 0.60 (mg/cc) and 8.35 ± 0.57 (mg/cc), respectively. The errors of total strain energy were 1.06% and 0.91%, respectively.
Conclusions:
The proposed phantomless HU-to-BMD conversion demonstrates the potential of precisely estimating BMD values from CT images without the reference phantom and being utilized as a viable tool for FEA-based quantitative assessment using routine CT images.
Related Concept Videos
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Water and Mineral Acquisition
Density, Specific Weight, Specific Gravity and Compressibility of Fluid
Specific weight represents the weight per unit volume and is calculated by multiplying...
Elements and Compounds
Elements
Elements are classified as atomic or molecular based on the nature of their basic units. They are unique forms of matter with specific chemical and physical properties that cannot break down into smaller substances by ordinary chemical reactions. There...

