Micromorphological characteristics of human scaphoid bone based on Micro CT imaging technology

Zhang Dezhou; Lyu Yuan; Li Kun; Chen Jie; Yang Xiangrong; Zhao Hailong; Zhang Shaojie; Ma Yuan; Hao Yunteng; Yang Yang; Gao Mingjie; Wang Zhiqiang; Li Zhijun; Shi Jun; Wang Xing

doi:10.12307/2026.774

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Clinically,the unique anatomical characteristics and internal trabecular distribution of the scaphoid bone often result in poor fracture treatment outcomes,often leading to nonunion and avascular necrosis of the fracture,which in turn causes wrist arthritis and functional loss. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the internal microstructural characteristics of scaphoid bone specimens using Micro CT technology and measure the microstructural parameters of trabeculae in each region to identify regional differences in scaphoid trabeculae and provide a scientific basis for the prevention,treatment,and fracture mechanism research of scaphoid fractures. METHODS:Bilateral scaphoid bones from five adult cadaveric specimens(10 cases)were scanned with Micro CT.Trabeculae within three regions of interest(tuberosity,waist,and body)were selected and reconstructed to examine the microscopic morphology of the scaphoid bone in detail.The differences in trabecular microstructural parameters were measured and compared within each region. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Micro CT images showed that the cortical bone on the surface of the scaphoid bone was relatively thin,while the interior was filled with complex trabecular microstructures.The lamellar trabeculae near the cortical bone were relatively dense,extending into rod-shaped trabeculae inward.Observations from sagittal,coronal,and transverse planes showed that the trabeculae were sparsely distributed in the waist,while they were densely distributed in the body and tuberosity.(2)The bone volume,bone surface,bone surface/total volume,trabecular separation,trabecular number,connectivity,connection density,fractal dimension,bone mineral density,and bone mineral content of the scaphoid bone were significantly different between the left and right sides(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the trabecular microstructural parameters of the waist and body between the left and right sides(P>0.05).(3)The bone volume,bone volume fraction,bone surface,bone surface/total tissue volume,bone surface/total bone volume,bone mineral density,and bone mineral content of the scaphoid bone were significantly different between the body and the tuberosity,as well as the waist(P<0.05);the trabecular thickness of the scaphoid bone was significantly different between the body and the tuberosity,as well as the waist(P<0.05);the trabecular separation and fractal dimension of the scaphoid bone were significantly different between the body and the tuberosity,as well as the waist,and between the tuberosity and the waist(P<0.05).The trabecular number,connectivity,and connection density of the scaphoid bone were significantly different between the waist and the tuberosity,as well as the body(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the tissue volume and anisotropy of the scaphoid bone between the body,tuberosity,and waist(P>0.05).(4)The results showed that there were regional differences in the values of trabecular microstructural parameters of the scaphoid bone.The lumbar region had lower bone density and strength and was the most prone to fracture.This finding provides a theoretical basis for understanding the mechanism of scaphoid fracture from the perspective of trabecular microstructure.Furthermore,the trabecular structural characteristics of different parts of the scaphoid bone revealed in this study also provide a theoretical basis for the design of targeted internal fixation devices.