Thanks David J Gutekunst

Unfortunately I can not assess a micro CT scanner but thanks for the link it is very useful for my project. 

Yes uCT can be employed for BMD studies instead of DXA. 

I totally agree the best alternative should be the microCT, I regret that you do not have it available

Thanks Rupesh Srivastava and Edgar Nieto. Regards

A comparatively cheap and simple way is to take plain radiographs incorporating an aluminium step-wedge; not overly precise but will put you in the ball park.

Dear John R Field,

Please can you give more details not quite clear to me. This may be my best option. Plain radiographs yes!

Hi Marek Bienko

Thanks for this inciteful paper. Really helpful to me.

Edwin,

I have just done a quick scan of PubMed and have the below reference that may help you. A step wedge is a block of aluminium with steps of increasing known density; the density of your bone can be compared to the step wedge which is exposed on the same radiograph at the same time/exposure. I am not a radiologist and have never used a step wedge but it may be of assistance to you.

John Field

Comput Methods Programs Biomed. 2004 Jan;73(1):35-42.

Computerized methods for X-ray-based small bone densitometry.

Haidekker MA1, Stevens HY, Frangos JA.

Author information

Abstract

Animal models have been widely used to correlate in vivo changes in bone mineral density (BMD) with changes in disease state of bone. In small animal models, e.g. the hindlimb suspension model of bone loss, a non-invasive assessment of BMD is required. X-ray radiography has been surpassed in some cases by quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) quantitation. However, there are drawbacks in using the computerized methods, especially for small animals. In this paper, we present image-processing algorithms to quantitatively determine bone area and mineral density in digitized radiographs. Image calibration is based on a calibration step wedge, and the algorithm automatically detects the steps and computes the calibration data. In addition, we demonstrate how the algorithm can accurately determine the cortical outline of the bone and provide reliable data and statistics for small animal studies. A downloadable implementation example for the popular NIH Image package is provided.

Hi John R Field,

Thanks a million!

It is the best and simple procedure to perform and to repeat as many times as necessary

Thanks Luis Rodrigo.