Abstract
Cortical bone is a unique and dynamic tissue due to its complex micro-architecture, structural role in the human skeleton and ability to continuously remodel. Its dense nature makes it clearly distinguishable from other tissues by means of imaging. Through a portrayal of radiodensities, imaging provides both qualitative clues and quantitative metrics reflecting information about cortical integrity, physiology and function. This chapter reviews the imaging of cortical bone from its rudimentary beginnings (X-ray) to current, modern emerging technologies such as Nano-Computed Tomography and Vascular Microangiography. The clinical importance of cortical bone imaging, as well as its value in research and development is emphasized. Cortical bone morphomics is also highlighted as a potential predictive, rapid clinical screening tool in the modern day trauma bay. The authors further discuss how current innovations in cortical bone imaging and corroborating analytical methodologies such as Raman spectroscopy may lead to useful investigative tools to aid in the early detection of pathologies such as Osteoradionecrosis, Bisphosphonate Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ) and Heterotopic Ossification.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Trabecular and Cortical Bone |
| Subtitle of host publication | Morphology, Biomechanics and Clinical Implications |
| Publisher | Nova Science Publishers, Inc. |
| Pages | 137-161 |
| Number of pages | 25 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781628087673 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781628087666 |
| State | Published - 1 Oct 2013 |
| Externally published | Yes |