Microcomputed tomography of craniofacial mineralized tissue: A practical user's guide to study planning and...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Developmental Biology
• Skeletal Biology

Background:

• X-ray computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for non-invasive imaging of mineralized tissues in clinical and research settings.
• Existing reviews often focus on the appendicular skeleton, overlooking specific needs for craniofacial imaging.
• The craniofacial skeleton and dentition require specialized approaches for high-quality imaging and accurate interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a focused review on micro-computed tomography (microCT) applications in craniofacial skeleton research.
• To detail microCT considerations from developmental stages through adulthood in the mouse model.
• To guide researchers in optimizing imaging parameters for accurate quantification and visualization of craniofacial mineralized tissues.

Main Methods:

• Review of micro-computed tomography (microCT) techniques and applications.
• Focus on the mouse as a model organism for craniofacial development studies.
• Discussion of imaging, reconstruction, and 3D rendering parameters impacting data quality.

Main Results:

• Identification of critical parameters in microCT scanning, reconstruction, and 3D rendering that influence quantification accuracy.
• Exploration of methods for precise visualization of diverse mineralized craniofacial tissues.
• Emphasis on the importance of tailored approaches for craniofacial microCT studies.

Conclusions:

• MicroCT is a powerful tool for studying craniofacial skeletal development and adult structures.
• Careful consideration of imaging parameters is crucial for reliable quantification and interpretation of microCT data.
• This review provides a framework for effective microCT application in craniofacial research.