New Imaging Techniques for Bone

Abstract

The advent of novel imaging techniques that allow noninvasive in vivo assessment of cortical and trabecular bone structure has provided new insights and increased our understanding of bone physiology, pathophysiology, and the effects of therapeutic interventions. These imaging modalities have also shown promise for better fracture prediction, combining assessment of both bone quantity and quality. The technical characteristics, current clinical applications with an emphasis on primary osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and potential limitations of these imaging techniques will be the focus of this chapter.