Full-scale 3D reconstruction contributes to micro-CT stereological assessments of osteoporotic proximal tibial cancellous bone in rats

Micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT) has become one of the very important and useful tools for research of bone microarchitecture. In order to achieve correct stereological assessments for cancellous bone with osteoporotic changes, a full-scale three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction with optimal positioning method was designed and used. In this study, a rat model of bone microstructure disorganization was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) administration. Then experimental osteoporosis in rats was proved by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Application of our full-scale 3D reconstruction followed by its micro-CT stereological assessments of proximal tibial cancellous bone in osteoporotic rats resulted in better recognization and understanding of osteoporotic properties in the special and irregular bone. In conclusion, our results suggest that the full-scale 3D reconstruction based stereology is very eligible for evaluation of microstructural properties of osteoporotic cancellous bone in a special and irregular bone.