3D micro-CT analysis of cancellous bone architecture

Osteoporosis is the most common type of metabolic bone disease generating morphological alterations of the bone structure. Therefore, an intensive and accurate study of cancellous bone architecture is required to individuate the origin of the disease and to estimate its evolution. For this purpose, a specific projects is in progress at the Physics Department of Bologna to carry out micro-tomography analysis in vitro of animal bone samples. The inspection system mainly consists of an X-ray microfocus source to irradiate the sample and of a CCD-based detector for the detection of the radiographic image. A sample with a diameter up to 30 mm, and a height of 15 nun can be investigated over its whole volume. Three-dimensional images of the bone structure can be obtained with a spatial resolution variable from 30 up to few microns. A pig bone specimen has been investigated to test the equipment and to carry out intensive analysis and modeling of bone architecture. Moreover, a specific volume data processing procedure has been developed and tested to extract morphometric measurements of the bone structure.