Micro Computed Tomography (µCT)
Micro Computed Tomography (µCT) is used to give non-invasive quantitative, three-dimensional detailed information on bone microarchitecture. Although we have predominantly performed analysis of bone, we can also work on other materials and tissues.
Ex-vivo imaging
Ex-vivo 3D imaging of bone samples is carried out using the Skyscan 1172 desktop x-ray high-resolution microtomograph, with the following applications:
- Non-invasive analysis of small bone samples (max size 68mm x 75mm).
- Acquisition of high-resolution images (pixel size < 2µm) with 10 Megapixel camera.
- Quantitative analysis of parameters such as trabecular number, trabecular area/volume and bone porosity can be obtained.
- 3D models of the sample or selected areas of the sample can be generated from the acquired image datasets.
- Measurement of bone mineral content and density within bone samples.
- Bone samples can be processed in histology once the scanning has been completed.
Samples scanned with the Skyscan 1172
In-vivo imaging
In-vivo longitudinal studies of bone of small animals (Rodents) are carried out using The Scanco VivaCT80.
This work is in line with the regulations of the Animal Act of 1986, and comes with the following applications:
- Imaging performed non invasively on the same live anaesthetised small animal, at different time points, allowing longitudinal follow-up of bone changes in-vivo.
- Acquisition of high-resolution images (voxel size = 10.4um) with low levels of radiation dose delivered to the animal.
- Quantitative analysis of parameters such as trabecular number, trabecular area/volume and bone porosity can be obtained.
- 3D models of the sample or selected areas of the sample can be generated from the acquired image datasets.
- Possibility to transform the image datasets file into DICOM format for further in-silico applications.
- Measurement of bone mineral content and density within bone samples.
- Possibility to scan large ex-vivo samples (maximum size 75mm x 145mm).
Samples scanned with the Scanco VivaCT80
Time-lapsed imaging and in situ mechanical testing
We develop custom made jigs to be able to perform mechanical testing within our microCT systems. These devices allow us to perform scans of specimens under load and visualise the failure behaviour of the specimens.
We have designed a small jig (200N axial loadcell) to perform compressive tests on mouse tibiae or to simulate the load induced by typical in vivo tibia loading models.
We have also a larger jig (10kN axial loadcell) to perform mechanical testing on larger bone specimens as femoral heads or vertebral bodies.
They both fit in our in vivo Viva80 microCT.
We are happy to collaborate on projects where these complex mechanical tests are needed. Contact us if you have any questions.
Examples of applications
- A new approach to comprehensively evaluate the morphological properties of the human femoral head: example of application to osteoarthritic joint
- Validation of finite element models of the mouse tibia using digital volume correlation
- Variability in strain distribution in the mice tibia loading model: A preliminary study using digital volume correlation
