Quantitative ultrasound of the calcaneus: an in vivo comparison with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging.

The current study was performed in a clinical setting and aimed to evaluate the relationship between quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the calcaneus with bone mineral density (BMD) assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and with variables derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty-two postmenopausal women (mean age 61 years) were studied at the level of the nondominant calcaneus. QUS was performed using a DTU-one device including parametric imaging and yielded speed of sound (SOS) and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) data.

MR phase imaging to quantify bone volume fraction: computer simulations and in vivo measurements.

Magnetic resonance phase images can be used to assess trabecular bone by measuring the standard deviation of the phases in a region of interest. The standard deviation of regional phase measurements reflects the degree of magnetic field inhomogeneity caused by susceptibility differences between bone and marrow. A 3D computer model of trabecular bone was developed and then used to explore the influence of bone volume fraction and imaging parameters such as pixel size and slice width on the standard deviation of regional phase measurements.

Computer simulations for the optimization of magnetic resonance phase imaging applied in the study of trabecular bone.

A new technique for the evaluation of bone trabeculation using magnetic resonance (MR) phase images has been recently presented. This technique calculates the phase variance in a region of interest (ROI) on the phase images of a gradient echo sequence. In this study, a computer program was developed which simulates the phase distribution in gradient echo acquired phase images of a structure that mimics trabecular bone, consisting of a three-dimensional connected network of orthogonal bone struts.

Comparison of computer simulated and phantom measured phase variance in the study of trabecular bone.

A new method using magnetic resonance phase images for the assessment of trabecular bone structure has recently been proposed. To test this method, a mathematical model is developed which calculates the phase distribution in gradient echo acquired phase images of a structure of Pyrex glass rods immersed in a copper sulfate solution. Several experiments were performed using a phantom built in the same way as the structure used in the mathematical model.