Three-dimensional image registration improves the long-term precision of in vivo micro-computed tomographic measurements in anabolic and catabolic mouse models.

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is a widely used technique to track bone structural and mineral changes in small animals in vivo. Precise definition of volumes of interest (VOIs) in follow-up scans is required to accurately quantify these changes. To improve precision, VOIs can be transferred from baseline images onto follow-ups using image registration.