Advanced bioimaging technologies in assessment of the quality of bone and scaffold materials: Techniques and applications

Abstract

This book provides a perspective on the current status of bioimaging technologies developed to assess the quality of musculoskeletal tissue with an emphasis on bone and cartilage. It offers evaluations of scaffold biomaterials developed for enhancing the repair of musculoskeletal tissues. These bioimaging techniques include micro-CT, nano-CT, pQCT/QCT, MRI, and ultrasound, which provide not only 2-D and 3-D images of the related organs or tissues, but also quantifications of the relevant parameters. The advance bioimaging technologies developed for the above applications are also extended by incorporating imaging contrast-enhancement materials. Thus, this book will provide a unique platform for multidisciplinary collaborations in education and joint R&D among various professions, including biomedical engineering, biomaterials, and basic and clinical medicine. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007. All rights reserved.