Assessment of Skeletal Strength

A bone fractures when a force applied to it exceeds its strength. Assessment of bone strength is an important component in determining the risk of fracture and guiding treatment decisions. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is used to diagnosis osteoporosis, estimate fracture risk, and monitor changes in bone density. Fracture risk algorithms provide enhanced fracture risk predictability. Advanced technologies with computed tomography (CT) and MRI can measure parameters of bone microarchitecture. Mathematical modeling using CT data can evaluate the behavior of bone structures in response to external loading. Microindentation techniques directly measure the strength of outer bone cortex.