This is an introduction to bone histomorphometry which focuses on bone formation, as well as some aspects of static histomorphometry and structure. Bone resorption is difficult to quantitate by histomorphometry and I have not included those measurements. This program assumes a knowledge of the bone remodeling cycle from the previous pages. I particularly am trying to explain the difference between the activation frequency and the BMU birthrate.
Most of this material is derived from the Report of the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research Committee (JBMR 2:595-610, 1987) which is available in PDF form by clicking here.
Ott SM. Histomorphometric analysis of bone remodeling. in: Bilezikian JP, Raisz LG, Rodan GA, eds. Principles of Bone Biology. Academic Press, San Diego, CA. 2002:303-320.
You might also want to read these recent letters: Ott SM. Bisphosphonates and BMU birth rate. Osteoporos Int 2009.
Seeman E. Bisphosphonates and BMU birth rate: response to comments by Ott. Osteoporos Int 2009.
Updated 1/15/10
