Ultra-Hi-Resolution Absorptiometry as a Method to Study the Early Ossification in Human Embryos and Fetuses

Abstract

Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a method that allowed us to obtain images and quantitative informations about early bone mineralization in human fetuses.DXA utilizes two x-ray beams with different levels of energy to calculate the bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) values.We analysed different zones of fetal spines and femurs with a Hologic QDR 1000 X-ray densitometer with “Ultra-Hi-Resolution” software, that allowed to study small specimens.The scans were carried out on dry bones directly without interposition of media simulating soft tissues.The minimum value of BMD detected with the DXA technique is 0.06 g/cm2.The DXA technique allowed us to evaluate the ossification pattern of fetal bone and to demonstrate the first appearances of ossification centres in early prenatal life, furthermore DXA is able to detect the presence of an individual variability in bone density since prenatal life.