Dirk Mueller MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jan Stefan Bauer MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Roberto Adrian Monetti PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maiko Matsuura MS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thomas M. Link MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research grant, Merck & Co, Inc

Felix Eckstein MD, Abstract Co-Author: Co-owner, Chondrometrics GmbH Co-founder, Chondrometrics GmbH CEO, Chondrometrics GmbH Consultant, Pfizer Inc Consultant, Merck KGaA

Ernst Josef Rummeny MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Christoph W. Raeth PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The Scaling Vector Method (SVM) has been successfully applied for the characterization of trabecular bone structure in osteoporosis. In this study, the anisotropic SVM was used to characterize predominant directionalities of the trabecular network and to use this information to better predict biomechanical strength of the trabecular bone of the spine.

Cylindrical trabecular bone specimens (diameter 8mm, length 10mm) were harvested from formalin-fixed spinal bone specimen of 85 elderly human donors. µCT images with isotropic spatial resolution (26x26x26µm) were acquired from T10 (n= 83) and L2 (n= 75). Standard 3D morphometric parameters were determined and scaling properties (mPα) calculated using the SVM. Maximum compressive strength (MCS) of the specimen was measured in a biomechanical test.

Using the anisotropic SVM, the dimensionality of every voxel could be determined, considering the predominant directionality of the individual trabecula. The correlation coefficient r for MCS versus mPα (r=0.61) was comparable to bone mass (r=0.63) when analyzing the whole sample (n=158). When considering specimens with low MCS (n=80) the correlation versus bone mass decreased to r=0.57, whereas the correlation coefficient for mPα increased (r=0.69). Correlation coefficients for the 3D morphometric parameters are poorer, e.g. Tb.N and Tb.Sp versus MCS correlate with r=0.53 and r=0.51, respectively.

Using the anisotropic SVM, which is respecting predominant directionalities of the trabecular network, it is possible to predict bone strength of trabecular bone of the spine. However, higher correlation with MCS was found for the non-linear texture measure mpα compared to conventional 3D structure parameters only for samples with a low MCS. This indicates that the evaluation of trabecular bone structure becomes paramount when analyzing osteoporotic bone.

The anisotropic SVM provides a good measure to predict bone strength of the spine. It thus may help to better determine fracture risk in osteoporotic patients.

Mueller, D, Bauer, J, Monetti, R, Matsuura, M, Link, T, Eckstein, F, Rummeny, E, Raeth, C, et al, , Application of the Anisotropic Scaling Vector Method (SVM) to Predict Bone Strength of Trabecular Bone of the Spine.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6017582.html