Avaliação da integridade estrutural por modelos computacionais de ossos humanos através de imagens de Microtomografia Periférica de Alta Resolução – HRpQCT

Abstract

Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) directly compromise bone quality, increasing the risk of fragility and fractures. This study investigated the effects of changes in BMD on bone microarchitecture and mechanical integrity, using volumetric parameters obtained by microtomography. The objective was to evaluate the structural and functional differences between bone samples with normal and altered BMD. The methods involved obtaining high-resolution three-dimensional images to quantify mineral density, porosity, cortical and trabecular thickness, in addition to mechanical stiffness. It was possible to quantify BMD differences in trabecular and cortical density, increased porosity and significant decrease in structural rigidity in samples with altered BMD. It is concluded that microtomography is an effective tool for identifying structural changes associated with BMD loss, with relevant implications for diagnoses and clinical interventions.