Dependence of Human Lumbar Vertebral Trabecular Bone (HVTB) Mechanical Anisotropy Ratio on QCT–Based Apparent Density

Obtaining bone mechanical properties from clinical resolution quantitative computed tomography (QCT)-derived localized apparent density presents the most attractive, available tool for developing subject-specific finite element (FE) bone models. While QCT density is a good predictor of the mechanical properties of HVTB [1, 2], knowledge of the fabric tensor (anisotropy ratio) can substantially improve prediction [3] and accuracy of CT-based continuum FE models [4]. Unfortunately, resolution of currently available clinical CT scanners is inadequate for mapping the fabric tensor of HVTB, which is known to be at least transversely isotropic [5]. Furthermore, trabecular bone mechanical anisotropy ratio has been shown to vary with density [2].Copyright © 2013 by ASME