Novel techniques for assessment of bone tissue material properties

Abstract

Purpose of review The purpose of this review will be to shed light on novel techniques for assessment of bone tissue material properties. Recent findings Recently there has been an increase in modalities to investigate bone tissue material properties. Historically, clinicians treating patients with bone disorders have relied upon the use of bone mineral density (BMD) as assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Although DXA provides an ability to screen at a large-scale population level, it only explains about 60% of the fracture risk. Recent advances include the use of imaging modalities, responses to load, and novel infrared (IR) techniques. Summary These newer techniques have not reached a point for population level screening; however, they may inform the science of bone biology further and help discern various bone disease states.