Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Accurate monitoring of bone regeneration and fracture healing is essential for optimizing orthopedic outcomes and guiding timely clinical interventions. While radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remain standard tools, their limitations, particularly in detecting early biological activity and evaluating healing around implants, have prompted exploration of advanced imaging techniques. This narrative review was conducted through a structured search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies published between 2000 and 2025 using predefined keywords related to bone healing and imaging. Peer-reviewed original studies, systematic reviews, and clinically relevant preclinical research focusing on radiological assessment of fracture healing were included, while non-English articles, conference abstracts, and non-peer-reviewed sources were excluded. Study quality and potential sources of bias were appraised based on clarity of methodology, imaging reproducibility, and applicability to clinical practice. Recent innovations, such as high-resolution and functional MRI, quantitative CT (qCT), hybrid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and advanced ultrasound modalities, provide deeper insights into trabecular microarchitecture, perfusion, and osteoblastic activity. Metabolic PET tracers, radiomics, artificial intelligence (AI), and 3D printing further enhance diagnostic precision and support personalized treatment planning. Despite their promise, these modalities face challenges including high cost, limited accessibility, lack of standardization, and the need for robust clinical validation. This review summarizes the current radiological landscape, highlights emerging opportunities, and outlines future steps required for integrating advanced imaging tools into routine orthopedic practice.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.97659
Authors: Karthik D, Valeria Vanessa Varela Betancourt, Shreya Madhukar, Mainul Huda, Maria Gabriela Cerdas, Anand Sunil, Bashir Imam, Waleed Nasir, Sikandar Ali, Maahi Qureshi, Nimra Zahid, Manju Rai
Institutions: Manipal Hospital, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Universidad de Ciencias Medicas, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Shri Venkateshwara University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7106544960