Quantification of bone mineralization using computed tomography.

Computed tomography was used to find a sensitive parameter for bone mineralization. A precision scanning instrument was constructed for determination of the mineral distribution in sections of the forearm. The quality of the reconstructed images allows separate quantification of compact and spongy bone even when gamma rays are used. Computer simulation and measured of models and macerated human bones showed that under clinical conditions it is possible to quantify spongy bone density within an accuracy of +/-2%.