Home

histomorphometry

Histomorphometry is the quantitative study of bone microstructure and remodeling dynamics through microscopic analysis of histological sections. It provides measurements of architecture (such as trabecular bone volume and thickness) and remodeling parameters (such as formation and resorption rates) to characterize bone health and responses to interventions.

Two main approaches exist: static histomorphometry, which assesses bone at a single point in time, and dynamic

Methods involve preparing undecalcified resin-embedded bone sections, staining (e.g., Goldner’s trichrome, toluidine blue), and histomorphometric analysis

Applications span basic bone biology, osteoporosis research, implant osseointegration, orthodontics, and periodontal/dental tissue research in both

histomorphometry,
which
uses
sequential
fluorescent
labels
to
quantify
mineralization
rates.
Key
metrics
include
bone
volume
fraction
(BV/TV),
trabecular
thickness
(Tb.Th),
trabecular
number
(Tb.N),
and
trabecular
separation
(Tb.Sp).
Remodeling
metrics
include
osteoid
surface
(OS/BS),
osteoblast
surface
(Ob.S),
osteoclast
surface
(Oc.S),
mineralizing
surface
(MS/BS),
mineral
apposition
rate
(MAR),
and
bone
formation
rate
(BFR/BS).
with
light
microscopy
or
image
analysis
software.
Dynamic
studies
require
fluorochrome
labeling
(e.g.,
tetracycline,
calcein)
given
at
known
intervals.
Guidelines
from
ASBMR
standardize
nomenclature
and
measurement
protocols
to
allow
comparability
across
studies.
animals
and
humans.
Limitations
include
2D
representation
of
3D
structures,
sampling
bias,
processing
artifacts,
the
need
for
undecalcified
sections,
and
variability
in
laboratory
techniques.
Standardization
and
adequate
sampling
are
essential
for
reliable
interpretation.