Abstract
Osteoporosis is defined as a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength that predisposes a person to an increased risk of fracture. Bone strength primarily reflects the integration of bone density and bone quality. Bone density is expressed as grams of mineral per area or volume, and, in any given individual, is determined by peak bone mass and amount of bone loss. Bone quality refers to architecture, turnover, damage accumulation (e.g., microfractures), and mineralization. However, bone quality has not yet been clearly defined, and no measurement methods of bone quality have been established for the patients with osteoporosis. Recently, we introduced a computed tomography-based finite element analysis, which incorporates information on both the three-dimensional bone architecture and bone density distribution. We designed the analysis as a useful and non-invasive method of estimating bone strength, including bone quality. In addition, the evaluation of the relationship between bone strength and loading direction by using with this method provides the elderly patients with the more information concerning the risk of fracture risk due to falls.
