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Montagner et al. Digital microradiography and bone mineralization assessment
DOI:10.1038/bonekey.2015.109
A steep decline in the manufacture of the radiographic films currently used in the standard methodology used to measure bone mineralization has made it imperative to devise a digital method with the same level of resolution, image quality and reliability.
Here, Montagner et al. describe a potential digital detection technique, providing evidence to validate its replacement of film-based microradiography.
After presenting theoretical and technical details, the authors conclude that the digital system used at a magnification of between 1.6 and 10.8 gives a spatial resolution similar to the film-based method used at a magnification of 4. Bone sample images show equivalent detail but the digital system has a greater system dynamic range, allowing more precise grey level information to be obtained.
The digital system is easier to use, has lower acquisition times (8 min for a 12-image run compared to 20 min for film) and does not require expensive consumables.
Editor's comment: The microradiography methodology developed in the 80's by Boivin and Baud to quantify the degree of mineralization of bone goes digital. The authors report a careful validation study of both contrast to noise ratio and spatial resolution with the original film-based method. A similar study to compare this digital update with the alternative quantitative back-scattered electron imaging (qBEI) would be very welcome.
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