Development and application of an instrument for analysis of bone structure on radiographs.

An instrument used for quantitative assessment of trabecular structure of radius on radiograph including trabecular number and trabecular width was developed using a microdensitometer and a single-chip microcomputer. The device is characterized by its high sensitivity, good reproducibility, convenience and economy. The results obtained with the instrument were significantly correlated to actual bone mineral content. This device can be used for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, fluorosis, rickets and bone damages caused by cadmium.