(1) Phenotypic studies in transgenic and normal mice with MicroCT permit 3D analysis of dental and skeletal features, including study of apparent and tissue density. 3D reconstructions of teeth allow direct and simultaneous visualizations of external and internal morphologies. These techniques show pronounced differences in bone and tooth structure compared to controls in mice with conditional KOs of BMPR1A and BMP2, and conventional KO of DMP1.
(2) Analysis of 3D osteonal structure in cortical bone together with 3D studies of elastic properties determined by ultrasonic methods shows the functional relationship between pore structure in cortical bone and material anisotropy.
(3) Analysis of bone-implant interfaces with microCT permits a 3D quantification of the contact area between bone and implants and gives a more complete analysis of osteointegration than traditional histology. However, edge effects and beam scatter resulting from the presence of an implant in a scan are problematic and require careful analysis to determine the limits of technique validity.
Supported by NIH grants DE015437 and RR023634, and NSF grant 0523159.