From: Methods for bone quality assessment in human bone tissue: a systematic review
Category | Methods | Main indicators | Advantages | Limitations | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Imaging modalities | X-ray-based modalities | Radiography | CTI, CMI, THI | Simplicity, low-cost, low radiation dose | Insufficient precision, 2D imaging |
DEXA | BMC, BMD | Low radiation dose, accuracy, simplicity | 2D imaging, cannot capture the 3D micro-architecture | ||
CT-based modalities | QCT, pQCT, HR-pQCT | 3D-morphology, BMC, BMD | High spatial resolution,, reproducible, 3D imaging, non-invasiveness | Larger radiation does, expensive equipment | |
Micro-CT | 3D-microstructure, BV/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp; Tb.N, BS/TV, BS/BV, SMI, Conn.D | Comprehensive, high spatial resolution, 3D bone structure, non-invasiveness | Larger radiation does, expensive equipment | ||
MR-based modalities | NMR, HR-MRI, μMRI | 3D bone geometry, trabecular morphology | High accuracy, no radiation, high-resolution 3D imaging, non-invasiveness | Expensive equipment, professional operation, more susceptible to image post-processing | |
Mechanical testing | Traditional testing | Compression, tension, bending, and torsion tests | Elastic modulus, Ultimate strength, Yield strength | Directness, accuracy, simplicity | Destructive testing, cannot be repeated |
Indentation testing | Macro-indentation, RPI, nano-indentation | Hardness, Brittleness | Directness, simplicity, minimally invasiveness | Its outcomes are relatively sole, limited to superficial sites, reliability and significance of parameters need to be validated further | |
Bone composition | – | Computerized quantitative contact microradiography method, HPLC, et al | DBM, Organic phases | An intrinsic effect on bone stiffness and strength | Not comprehensive enough |