Three-dimensional visualization and quantification of mouse cortical bone porosity at submicron resolution using desktop micro-CT

Bone's microporosity plays important biological and mechanical roles. Synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SR CT) is considered the gold standard when evaluating osteocyte lacunae, vascular channels and their three-dimensional (3D) distribution, yet it is a rather exclusive technique. Here, we explored nondestructive desktop micro-computed tomography (desktop CT) as an alternative technology for 3D visualization and subsequent morphometric analysis of mouse cortical bone porosity. A fibula of a C57Bl/6J male mouse was scanned at a nominal resolution of 750 nanometer. After reconstruction and segmentation the channels and lacunae were identified, visualized and quantified. Morphometric analyses were in line with published data obtained with SR CT, qualitatively as well as quantitatively. We conclude that desktop CT appears a promising technique to quantify the 3D characteristics of bone canals and the lacunae in entire murine bones.