[Space flight/bedrest immobilization and bone. Assessment of mechanical stress of bone: quantitative computed tomography-based finite element method].

Fragility fractures are the most serious complication of osteoporosis and have been recognized as a major public health problem. It is essential to precisely quantify the stress or strength of the fragile bone in order to estimate the fracture risk and plan preventive interventions. Quantitative computed tomography-based finite element method (CT/FEM) could possibly achieve precise assessment of the strength of the bone of interest. The accuracy of CT/FEM has been verified by load testing using fresh frozen cadaver specimens. Based on the excellent results of the validation studies, CT/FEM has been applied in the wide range of clinical diagnosis in osteoporosis, allowing the establishment of more efficacious means of preventing fragility fractures.