| [ Summary ] |
Bone density is a primary determinant of bone strength. When bone samples are investigated in a laboratory setting, the power-law relationship exists between BMD and the compressive strength, and BMD typically explains 6O～80％ of bone strength. The relationship between BMD and bone strength has been confirmed in human subjects, in which BMD has been shown to predict the risk for the fragility fractures. Noninvasive methods to assess the additional contributing factor to bone strength such as cancellous architecture and bone quality have not been established. Recently, the capabilities of MRI and CT have been explored to assess the cancellous architecture of osteoporotic bone. Though these techniques is time-consuming and expensive, it may be useful for highly detailed examination on bone strength. |