pQCT Technology the 3rd-Dimension in Bone Densitometry

Bone mass as measured by DEXA technology does not sufficiently explain bone strength. Geometry information is needed to access the strength of the bone. QCT technology enables real volumetric density measurements in g/ccm and estimates in a noninvasive way the fracture and bending strength of bones in vivo. pQCT separates cortical and trabecular bone compartements and thus can monitor metabolic changes very quickly and precisely. Additionally histomorphometric parameters like endosteal and periosteal circumferences, total and cross sectional bone areas are determined in vivo. Recently the new family of pQCT scanners has been presented. They are widely used in clinical routine measuring at the forearm and distal tibia. In the field of pediatrics pQCT scanners are the only one which can distinguish bone growth and mineralisation deficiencies. These data are strongly supported by preclinical research results collected in various drug trials using specified ultra high resolution pQCT scanners.

Newly developed Micro-CT provides highest resolution (up to 15 µ) to get detailed information about bone structure.