Effects of Physical Activity on Trabecular Bone Micro-Architecture: A Comparative Study in Young Men and Women Using Multi-Detector CT and Volumetric Topological Analysis

Adult bone diseases, especially osteoporosis, increase risk of fracture associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and financial costs. Osteoporosis is clinically defined by low bone mineral density (BMD). However, increasing evidence suggests that trabecular bone (TB) micro-architectural quality is an important determinant of bone strength and fracture risk. Recently, a volumetric topological analysis (VTA) method has been developed and a peripheral high resolution multi-detector CT (MDCT) bone imaging protocol has been established in our laboratory, resulting in enhanced quantitative 3-D TB micro-architectural assessment. At each TB location, the method uniquely classifies local topology on the continuum between a perfect plate and a perfect rod, facilitating early detection of bone alteration. Here, we present our experimental results evaluating the feasibility of the method for in vivo assessment of TB micro-architecture in young women and men. Also, the method´s ability to detect physical activity effects on TB micro-architecture is examined.