Work

Development of a novel anthropomorphic bone phantoms for mimicking osteoporosis in medical imaging development

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Fragility fractures (FF) represent a growing global health burden, driven by an ageing population and compounded by healthcare access disruptions such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains the clinical gold standard for assessing osteoporosis through bone mineral density (BMD) measurement, it lacks sensitivity for detecting microarchitectural degradation. Advanced imaging modalities, including high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and digital tomosynthesis (DT), offer enhanced structural resolution but lack sufficiently large normative databases across diverse populations to be integrated into clinical guidelines. To address this gap, we developed a novel anthropomorphic bone phantom that accurately replicates trabecular and cortical bone microstructures using digitally manipulated bone models and high-resolution hybrid 3D-printing and moulding techniques. The phantom incorporates variable trabecular architectures and a contrast agent (PVP-BaSO4) to simulate both healthy and disease conditions, along with soft-tissue components to emulate realistic attenuation. Multiple imaging modalities, including X-ray, DXA, pQCT, DT, and micro-CT, were employed to verify the phantom’s fidelity in reproducing BMD and microstructural features. Correlations between mass attenuation and bone morphometric parameters were robust across modalities. This reproducible platform enables systematic evaluation of imaging systems and facilitates early osteoporosis detection by bridging structure-density relationships. Our phantom serves as a valuable tool for diagnostic validation, imaging quality assurance, and the development of bone health biomarkers, thereby reducing reliance on clinical or cadaveric data.

Source: Bone

DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2026.117803

Authors: Jingrui Hu, Junning Chen, Steve Wells, Karen Knapp

Institutions: University of Exeter, University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Bone health and osteoporosis research

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,960