A direct method for the for the spatial 3D mapping of trabecular termini in the spine
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1
University of Leeds, IMSB, FBS, United Kingdom
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2
University of Leeds, IMBE, United Kingdom
Bone loss with age is insidious, leaving the skeleton fracture-prone in an ever growing elderly population. Traditionally the bone mineral density (BMD) has been used to predict atraumatic fracture risk as a low bone mass was considered the major predisposing factor. However with frequent reports of overerlap in BMD between fracture and non-fracture groups, the relationship between bone quantity and bone quality (bone strength within the microarchitecture) may provide a more reliable risk appraisal. The development of an accurate method of cancellous connectivity assessment, (as a significant factor in structural strength) in 2D and 3D is challenging; currently none is ideal. Traditional histological methods to provide topographical data from the microarchitecture are limited as they only indirectly assess 3D structural quality due to their use of thin (8 microns) undecalcified sections. Aaron et al (2000) developed a thick (300 microns) slicing and superficial staining method whereby real trabecular termini (ReTm) are identified directly in their 3D context. To extrapolate from this previous method, computer algorithms and MicroCT scanning are now combined to aid in the spatial 3D mapping of ReTm as loci of structural weakness independent of the bone mass. Embalmed vertebral bodies were MicroCTCT scanned, hemi-sected, plastic embedded, thickly (300 microns) sliced, superficially stained with silver nitrate and the ReTm mapped using light microscopy and assigned coordinates which corresponded to 9 predetermined topographical regions. A one-way test of variance (ANOVA) showed their distribution to be heterogeneous. These ReTm were then visualised in 3D using code developed in-house (Matlab, Mathworks, USA) in the form of a transparent 3D shell corresponding to the cortex, with ReTm enclosed within. To refine and validate this cortical shell, the TIFF images generated from the initial MicroCT scan were used to generate another 3D cortical shell with a surface topography and the coordinate data overlaid; little disagreement in shape was found. This novel method offers the capacity to visualise ReTm spatial within a 3D framework surmounting the constraints of established 2D histology. ReTm distribution within the spine is now being mapped to provide further insight into apparently intransigent atrophy as a major cause of disability.
Keywords:
Bones,
Bone Research
Conference:
2011 joint meeting of the Bone Research Society & the British Orthopaedic Research Society, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 27 Jun - 29 Jun, 2011.
Presentation Type:
Poster
Topic:
Abstracts
Citation:
Garner
P,
Garner
P,
Wilcox
R and
Aaron
J
(2011). A direct method for the for the spatial 3D mapping of trabecular termini in the spine.
Front. Endocrinol.
Conference Abstract:
2011 joint meeting of the Bone Research Society & the British Orthopaedic Research Society.
doi: 10.3389/conf.fendo.2011.02.00019
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Received:
30 Sep 2011;
Published Online:
30 Sep 2011.
*
Correspondence:
Prof. PE Garner, University of Leeds, IMSB, FBS, United Kingdom, bms2peg@leeds.ac.uk