Table 4.

Recommendations for μCT Imaging of Trabecular and Cortical Bone Morphology

Image acquisition	The methods section should report the following parameters: scan medium, X-ray tube potential, and voxel size, as well as clear descriptions of the size and location of the volume of interest.
Image processing	The methods section should describe any algorithms used for image filtration and the approach used for image segmentation, including the method used to delineate cortical from trabecular bone regions.
Image analysis	3D algorithms that do not rely on assumptions about the underlying structure should be used to compute trabecular and cortical bone morphometry whenever possible. Whereas tissue mineral density measurements are possible with μCT systems, significant artifacts can be associated with the use of polychromatic X-ray sources, and therefore, these measurements must be conducted with extreme care and interpreted with caution.
Reporting of μCT results	The minimal set of variables that should be used to describe trabecular bone morphometry include bone volume fraction and trabecular number, thickness, and separation. The minimal set of variables that should be used to describe cortical bone morphometry includes total cross-sectional area, cortical bone area, cortical bone area function, and cortical thickness. Other variables also may be appropriate depending on the research question.
Presentation of μCT images	Either 2D or 3D images are appropriate, but the criteria used to select the “representative” image(s) must be described either in the methods section or the figure legend.
Quality control	Investigators should follow manufacturer-specific instructions for regular quality control and document that these instructions are followed. All images should be inspected visually to identify possible scanning artifacts.