Die Darstellung der subchondralen Dichtemuster mittels der CT-Osteoabsorptiometrie (CT-OAM) zur Beurteilung der individuellen Gelenkbeanspruchung am Lebenden

The researches of Pauwels and those following him have demonstrated
that the subchondral bone density distribution below the surface of
a joint is a metrical parameter which mirrors the predominant
stress acting on that joint. Their technique of x-ray densitometry
cannot, however, be used during life. By employing computer
tomography, a new method has been developed -
CT-osteoabsorptiometry (CT-OAM) - which can be used to obtain the
density distribution pattern in the living subject. By means of a
comparative investigation on specimens which were examined both
with traditional x-ray densitometry and with CT absorptiometry, it
has been shown that the new method can produce the same results,
but providing the great advantage to be used on the living. In
addition, the density distribution pattern of the glenoid cavity
has been examined in patients with various shoulder conditions, and
also in gymnasts who exercise on the rings. The distribution of
subchondral bone density showed different patterns in the different
groups examined. Both the comparison of the methods and the
subsequent study confirmed that CT osteoabsorptiometry enables
assessment to be made of the individual long-term stresses acting
on a living joint.