To begin analyzing the micro-computed tomography, or micro CT images, in the micro CT imaging system software, select the data to be analyzed. Click Sub, and set pixel size to 10 microns. Move and resize the region of interest, or ROI, to include the distal femur above the growth plate.
Then, click on Start. Next, click the Analysis 3D button to get the resulting 3D reconstruction. Export the data from the micro CT system to the computer for analysis.
After importing the reconstructed CT data, click Process and Image Calculator. Then sequentially click Region Pad and Interactive. Adjust the yellow check box to the appropriate ROI.
After exiting the image calculator, select the bone microarchitecture analysis, or BMA add-on, and click Segment Cortex and Segment Trabeculae. Finally, click on Measure Bone to calculate the bone morphometric indices. The trabecular micro-architectural parameters were measured in mice from two groups, the sham-operated group and the ovariectomized osteoporosis model group, or OVX group.
The results indicated significant differences between mice of the two groups. The ratio of bone volume to total tissue volume in the OVX group was 3%lower than that in the sham group. The trabecular thickness in mice of the OVX group was lower than in the sham group, and the trabecular separation in the OVX mice was greater than that in the sham mice.
3D displays of trabecular ROIs extracted from reconstructed bone volume revealed that compared to the sham group, in the OVX mice, the trabeculae was sparse and showed osteoporosis.
