Core Mission 

The Imaging and Biomechanical Testing core offer imaging and mechanical testing of bones and other constructs. High-resolution micro-computed tomography (µCT) provides non-destructive, quantitative and qualitative assessment of trabecular and cortical bone microarchitecture. µCT is particularly useful for studies that utilize animal models to examine the effects of genetic manipulations, mechanical stimuli and/or pharmacological agents on skeletal characteristics. We are able to scan ex vivo samples that are up to 36 mm in diameter and 80 mm in length at resolutions down to 8 µm (µCT40, Scanco Medical AG). The core is directed by Dr. Mary Bouxsein who is a leading expert in µCT analysis of bone. Guidelines for the use of µCT analysis of rodent bones were published by Dr. Bouxsein and colleagues (PDF).  While we mainly perform µCT analysis of rodent specimens, we are able to work with clients to analyze the microstructure of many other types of specimens. As all scanning is performed on excised specimens, there is no need for additional IRB or IACUC approvals. Specimens can be scanned in a variety of media (saline, formalin, ETOH), such that specimens can be used for subsequent histologic or other analyses. We also offer mechanical testing and micro-finite element analysis (µFEA) for the assessment of the structural and apparent material properties of bones. 

As part of our mission we also want to facilitate researchers in performing µCT analysis themselves at either our facility or at their own institution. We encourage members of the Center for Skeletal Research to contact us if they are interested in learning how to perform µCT analysis.  

Services 

Our imaging services include: 

• µCT scanning of ex vivo specimens up to 36 mm in diameter and 80 mm in length 
• Trabecular and cortical bone micro-architecture analysis 
• Osmium tetroxide staining for the analysis of marrow adiposity via µCT 
• Custom µCT scanning and analysis to measure client-defined parameters 
• Preparation of 2D and 3D µCT images and movies for publications and presentations(click here to see examples of the types of images that we can create) 
• Expert consultation on study design, as well as interpretation of results 
• in vivo peripheral dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (pDXA, PIXImus II) for the measurement of areal bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and body composition in mice 

Our mechanical testing services include: 

• 3 and 4-point bend testing of long bones (spans from 8mm to 150mm) 
• Compression testing (1N to 10 kN) 
• Cyclic reference-point indentation (cRPI) to assess tissue-level properties 
• micro-finite element analysis (µFEA) to model the predicted stiffness and strength of bones 

Equipment and Resources 

• µCT measurements are performed using a µCT40 scanner (SCANCO Medical AG) 
• DEXA measurements are performed using a PIXImus II densitometer (GE Medical Systems) 
• Bending and compression tests are performed with a BOSE Electroforce 3230 or Instron 8511 servohydraulic testing machine. 
• Reference point indentation is performed with a Biodent (Active Life Scientific) 

Submitting µCT and Mechanical Testing Projects 

Please contact us if you are interested in submitting samples for µCT or mechanical analysis. It is ideal to contact us prior to harvesting your samples so that we can provide consultation on harvesting and preparing the samples to get the best outcomes. You can visit the Protocols page for information about preparing samples for µCT and mechanical testing, however we encourage you to reach out to us if you have questions or if this is the first time that you are submitting samples to us for µCT and mechanical analysis.