Columbia Technology Ventures

Image analysis and simulation software for bone micro-structures

Name of the lead innovator: X. Edward Guo Simulation software for analysis and reconstruction of internal bone microstructures in osteoporosis:
Micro computed X-ray tomography (Micro-CT) and micro magnetic resonance imaging (Micro-MRI) are significant advances for visualization, measurement, and reconstruction of microstructure in a number of applications. Importantly, Micro-CT and Micro-MRI are utilized for biomedical applications including bone and soft tissue analysis. However, analysis and reconstruction of internal bone microstructures are limited by the software and algorithms utilized. The invention covers the process and related software for morphological analyses for images of any porous materials including biomaterials such as human or animal bone. Imaging of bone and porous materials in Osteoporosis:
Additionally, enhanced analysis of internal microstructure of bone has significant clinical applications. To this end we have developed software that simulates osteoporosis and its related treatment based on bone remodeling on images of human bone from real patients that can be analyzed for simulating normal aging or post-menopausal bone remodeling process. Therefore, the changes in both microstructure and mechanical properties of human bone can be predicted with age-related or post-menopausal related osteoporosis. Drug treatments that affect bone remodeling physiology can also be incorporated in the simulation. Therefore the efficacy of existing or potential drug treatment for osteoporosis can also be simulated. Suggested Uses: • Micro-structural analysis of bone • Bone remodeling for osteoporosis • Virtual testing efficacy of anti-osteoporosis drugs Advantages: • Individual microscopic elements (trabecula) based morphological analyses • New 3D independent microstructural parameters • Robust predictive power of clinical osteoporosis See also M05-076.