Precision of 3D registration analysis for longitudinal study of second-generation HR-pQCT

Abstract Objective The objective of this research was to develop 3D registration analysis method in longitudinal studies of high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), to analyze ranges of bone microstructure parameters in addition to standard parameters, and to test the precision of these measurements. Methods Scans of HR-pQCT and analysis of bone microstructure were performed at 3 times in 15 subjects. The three images were matched three-dimensionally, and bone microstructures were analyzed in the common region. In addition to standard measurement parameters of geometry, bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone, and cortical bone, parameters showing plate to rod-like structure, connectivity, cavity formation of trabecular bone, and bending stability of cortical bone were also measured. Precision was evaluated with the root mean square percent coefficient variance (RMS%CV). Results RMS%CV was 0.1–1.3% for geometry, 0.6–1.9% for BMD, 0.8–3.3% for trabecular bone, 2.1–9.8% for additionally measured trabecular bone, 1.0–3.4% for cortical bone excluding Ct.Po, 6.0–6.1% for Ct.Po, and 0.8–1.5% for additionally measured cortical bone. Precision was higher for 3D registration than for 2D registration in geometry, BV/TV, and Ct.Po. Conclusions 3D registration analysis of a range of bone microstructural parameters in longitudinal analysis of HR-pQCT showed good precision, offering potential for contributing to future research on osteoporosis and bone metabolic diseases.