Quantitative computed microtomography for evaluation of radiotherapy effects on bone microstructure

In this work we investigated the consequences of irradiation in the femur of rats to a radiation dose of 5 Gy. Three different sites in femur specimens were imaged using synchrotron radiation computed microtomography to assess trabecular bone microarchitecture: femur head, distal metaphysis and distal epiphysis. Histomorphometric quantification was extracted directly from the 3D tomographic images using synchrontron radiation. The 3D tomographic images were obtained at the SYRMEP (SYnchrotron Radiation for MEdical Physics) beamline at the Elettra Synchrotron Laboratory in Trieste, Italy. A better understanding of the biological interactions that occur after exposure to photon radiation is needed in order to optimize therapeutic regimens and facilitate development and strategies that decrease radiation-induced side effects in humans. Results showed significant differences between irradiated and non-irradiated mostly in head and distal metaphysis bone sites.