X-ray microtomography of bones and teeth

X-ray microtomography is a miniaturized version of computerized axial tomography with a resolution of the order of micrometres. In the biomedical field it is particularly useful in the study of hard tissue because of its ability to accurately measure the linear attenuation coefficient. From this, the mineral concentration can be computed, which is one measure of bone quality. Using microtomography it is also possible to form three-dimensional images of bone from which structural parameters can be derived which could not be measured using conventional histomorphometry. Various types of microtomography scanner have been used, including simple translate-rotate systems which are capable of measuring x-ray attenuation at multiple energies simultaneously, and 'cone-beam' systems which can acquire the necessary data for three-dimensional reconstructions in a relatively short time. Both laboratory x-ray sources and synchrotrons have been used in the study of hard tissue using microtomography. Most studies of bone have been concerned primarily with either the mineral concentration in cortical bone or the structure in cancellous bone. The mineral concentration in teeth has also been studied, in particular the loss of mineral in enamel during in vitro demineralization and the gain during subsequent remineralization. Although there are currently relatively few centres carrying out this work, interest in the technique is rapidly growing and it is likely to find a useful place both in research and ultimately in clinical practice.