Abstract
Aims: Histomorphometric analysis is a widely used technique to assess changes in tissue structure and function. Commercially available programs that measure histomorphometric parameters can be cost-prohibitive. In this study, we compared an inexpensive method of histomorphometry to a current proprietary software program. Methods and results: Image J and Adobe Photoshop® were used to measure static and kinetic bone histomorphometric parameters. Photomicrographs of Goldner's trichrome-stained femurs were used to generate black-and-white image masks, representing bone and non-bone tissue, respectively, in Adobe Photoshop®. The masks were used to quantify histomorphometric parameters (bone volume, tissue volume, osteoid volume, mineralizing surface and interlabel width) in Image J. The resultant values obtained using Image J and the proprietary software were compared and differences found to be statistically non-significant. Conclusions: The wide-ranging use of histomorphometric analysis for assessing the basic morphology of tissue components makes it important to have affordable and accurate measurement options available for a diverse range of applications. Here we have developed and validated an approach to histomorphometry using commonly and freely available software that is comparable to a much more costly, commercially available software program.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1168-1173 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Histopathology |
Volume | 61 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2012 |
Keywords
- Bone
- Histomorphometry
- Image J
- Image analysis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Histology