Bone quality analysis using X-ray microtomography and microfluorescence

Bone quality is an evaluation index often applied in order to interpret clinical observations made upon bone health, such as bone mineral density, micro and macro architecture, and mineral content. Conventional inspection techniques do not provide full information on trabecular bone quality. This study shows the high resolution potential and the non-destructive character of X-ray microtomography and microfluorescence upon the application of such techniques for evaluating bone quality. The mineral content assessment was performed by two-dimensional concentration mappings of calcium, zinc, and strontium. The results showed significant changes in bone morphology. - Highlights: ► This study shows bone microarchitectural evaluation by X-ray microtomography and microfluorescence. ► For this purpose, lumbar vertebrae of Wistar rats have been used as test subjects. ► X-ray techniques proved to have an excellent perfomance in quantifying bone mineral content.