Bone Measurements by Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography in Rodents

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) is an established technique for the determination of bone mineral density (BMD) in the axial and appendicular skeleton ( 1 ). QCT is unique amongst methods of bone mineral measurement in providing separate estimates of trabecular and cortical bone mineral density as a true volumetric mineral density value (g/cm 3 ) ( 2 ). In addition, QCT can measure geometric properties of cortical bone with great accuracy ( 3 ) and predict some mechanical properties with remarkable precision ( 4 – 6 ). Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) is a special type of computed tomography in which scans of the appendicular skeleton are performed at a low radiation dosage. Bone and muscle development can be assessed noninvasively by pQCT at peripheral sites in studies of bone development, experimental models of bone loss, and in monitoring the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. In addition, pQCT can be used to assess excised bones ex vivo from virtually any skeletal site. These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.