Bone structure of the calcaneus: analysis with magnetic resonance imaging and correlation with histomorphometric study

The purpose of this study was to compare structural measurements obtained from MR images of the calcaneus with those obtained from conventional histomorphometry. Sagittal magnetic resonance (MR) images of the calcaneus of 24 fresh human cadaveric feet were obtained at a spatial resolution achievable in vivo. A three-dimensional gradient echo-sequence was used with a slice thickness of 700 microm and in plane resolution of 172 x 172 microm. Structural analysis (four histomorphometric parameters; seven connectivity parameters) was performed in the superior region of the calcaneus. Bone biopsy specimens were obtained in the same area and were sectioned for histomorphometric study. Most of the MR histomorphometric parameters were overestimated (by a factor ranging from 0.8 to 3), as compared with histomorphometry. However, significant ( P