Table 1 The advantage and disadvantage of each assessment for bone healing
From: The progress in quantitative evaluation of callus during distraction osteogenesis
Method | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
Radiography | Simple, fast and convenient; The most common assessment for bone union | Limited sensitivity for early callus formation |
DXA | Golden standard for BMD; Indirect assessment for bony microstructural | Expensive; Limited for clinical application; Limited for limb assessment |
Ultrasound | Cheap, portable, ionizing radiation free and early monitoring | Relatively limited sensitivity; Limited access to the force line of limb; Unaccessible for later osteotomy end space |
QCT | High accuracy and small error; Directly related to histological specimens | Expensive; High radiation dose; Limited for clinical application |
Biomechanical evaluation | Directly assessed the bone quality | Usually utilized in lab work |
Biochemical markers | Theoretical basis for delayed bone union | Limited for clinical application |