Measurements of Bone Cements Implanted into Rats using High-Resolution X-ray CT

- Time-Dependency of Form and Volume Change in Bone Cement -

Abstract

A micro-focus X-ray CT has been used for imaging the inner volume change of bone cement implanted into the body of a small animal in living condition. 3-D precise images of the bone cement materials, implanted into the thigh bones of rats, were obtained intermittently for one year using the CT system. The time-dependent 3-D form and volume changes of the bone cement were measured for the same rat continuously. During one year from implantation, the form of the implanted bone cement changed and a significant volume decrease was observed. It was shown that micro-focus X-ray CT was very effective for imaging in bio-research.