Optimizing a micro-computed tomography-based surrogate measurement of bone-implant contact.

Histology and backscatter scanning electron microscopy (bSEM) are the current gold standard methods for quantifying bone-implant contact (BIC), but are inherently destructive. Microcomputed tomography (μCT) is a non-destructive alternative, but attempts to validate μCT-based assessment of BIC in animal models have produced conflicting results. We previously showed in a rat model using a 1.5 mm diameter titanium implant that the extent of the metal-induced artefact precluded accurate measurement of bone sufficiently close to the interface to assess BIC. Recently introduced commercial laboratory μCT scanners have smaller voxels and improved imaging capabilities, possibly overcoming this limitation. The goals of the present study were to establish an approach for optimizing μCT imaging parameters and to validate μCT-based assessment of BIC. In an empirical parametric study using a 1.5 mm diameter titanium implant, we determined 90 kVp, 88 µA, 1.5 μm isotropic voxel size, 1600 projections/180°, and 750 ms integration time to be optimal. Using specimens from an in vivo rat experiment, we found significant correlations between bSEM and μCT for BIC with the manufacturer's automated analysis routine (r = 0.716, p = 0.003) or a line-intercept method (r = 0.797, p = 0.010). Thus, this newer generation scanner's improved imaging capability reduced the extent of the metal-induced artefact zone enough to permit assessment of BIC.