[New methods to measure bone quality].

Abstract

Bone quality can be defined by the ability to resist fracture. Biomechanical testing represents a direct approach to evaluate bone quality. This quality is dependent of several determinants: intrinsic properties of bone including mineral and organic phases, amount of bone, bone architecture and bone size. These determinants are more or less linked to bone turnover, an absence or excessive one increasing bone fragility. Consequently, a minimum but not excessive level of bone turnover must be preserved in osteoporosis treatment.