Method for bone structure prognosis and simulated bone remodeling

Abstract

Described herein are methods for analyzing bone structure and/or bone density, methods for estimating fracture risk in a subject as well as methods for monitoring the efficacy of an agent on bone structure and/or bone density.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for analyzing bone structure or bone density,
 the method comprising the steps of:
 obtaining an image of a subject, wherein the image comprises an image of the subject's bone; 
 estimating probable volumetric structure of bone; and 
 measuring one or more parameters of estimated volumetric structure of bone. 
   
     
     
         2 . A method for monitoring the ability of an agent to affect bone quality, the method comprising the steps of
 (a) obtaining bone quality measurements on a subject, wherein the bone quality measurements are obtained using the method according to  claim 1 ;   (b) administering an agent to the subject;   (c) obtaining bone quality measurements of the subject after administration of the agent, wherein the bone quality measurements are obtained using the method according to  claim 1 ;   (d) comparing bone quality measurements from steps (a) and (c), wherein a difference between in bone quality measurements between (a) and (c) is due to the effect of the agent.