Effect of micro-computed tomography reconstruction protocols on bone fractal dimension analysis

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Radiology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Trabecular bone analysis using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is crucial for understanding bone health and disease.
• Image reconstruction parameters can influence quantitative analyses, including fractal dimension (FD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of beam-hardening correction (BHC), smoothing filter (SF), and ring artifact correction (RAC) levels during micro-CT image reconstruction on trabecular bone fractal dimension (FD) analysis.

Main Methods:

• Wistar rat maxillae were scanned using micro-CT.
• Images were reconstructed using various combinations of BHC, SF, and RAC levels, alongside standard and uncorrected protocols.
• Fractal dimension (FD) was calculated using the box-counting method, and statistical analyses (ANOVA, regression) were performed.

Main Results:

• FD values were not significantly affected by ring artifact correction (RAC).
• Increasing levels of beam-hardening correction (BHC) and smoothing filter (SF) significantly increased FD values.
• Specific combinations of BHC and SF yielded FD values statistically similar to the standard protocol.

Conclusions:

• Beam-hardening correction (BHC) and smoothing filter (SF) are critical parameters that influence trabecular bone FD analysis in micro-CT.
• Standardization of BHC and SF levels is recommended for consistent and reliable FD measurements in micro-CT studies of trabecular bone.