Cortical Bone Mapping: Measurement and Statistical Analysis of Localised Skeletal Changes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cortical bone mapping (CBM) is a technique for measuring localised skeletal changes from computed tomography (CT) images. It can provide measurements with accuracy surpassing the underlying imaging resolution. CBM can detect changes in several properties of the cortex, with no prior assumptions about the likely location of said changes. This paper summarises the theory behind CBM, discusses its strengths and limitations, and reviews some studies in which it has been applied. RECENT FINDINGS: CBM has revealed associations between fracture risk and cortical properties in specific regions of the proximal femur which present feasible therapeutic targets. Analyses of several pharmaceutical and exercise interventions quantify effects that are distinct both in location and in the nature of the micro-architectural changes. CBM has illuminated age-related changes in the proximal femur and has recently been applied to other bones, as well as to the assessment of cartilage. SUMMARY: The CBM processing pipeline is designed primarily for large cohort studies. Its main impact thus far has not been in the realm of clinical practice, but rather to improve our fundamental understanding of localised bone structure and changes.