Effects of microscopic resolution on histomorphometrical estimates of structural and remodeling parameters in cancellous bone.

There is some evidence, that in morphometric measurements the microscopic magnification used greatly influences the estimates of surface density. This may be due to improved resolution of surface details with increasing magnification. In order to analyse this effect in bone tissue, selected parameters of bone structure and remodeling were determined in undecalcified sections of iliac crest cancellous bone at seven magnifications between 25 x and 400 x. Surface density of total trabecular surface, osteoid seams and Howships lacunae rose significantly with magnification; the rise was more pronounced between the steps in the lower magnification range. Cell-related parameters of bone remodeling were affected in a similar manner. Because of the large variability in appearance of the trabecular surface which depends on the remodeling activities, no generally applicable correction for this resolution effect can at present be offered.