Bone Histomorphometry Lab

Evaluations at the tissue level are critical to musculoskeletal research. The Biomaterials and Histomorphometry Core (BHC) lab, in the Department of Orthopedics, has a rich history of conducting such "in situ" evaluations in both human and animal tissue. The primary expertise of the BHC lab is its capability to process, embed, section, stain and quantify skeletal tissue in its calcified state. This analysis can then be further evaluated by our clinical experts as a diagnostic tool to rule out, or verify, a variety of potential metabolic bone disorders, as well as by our research experts to aid in their cutting edge research efforts.

The laboratory is also equiped with four data analysis imaging systems. Three of these are the OsteoMeasure Image Analysis System, in which two systems are dedicated for clinical sample analysis and one is dedicated for research sample analysis. The lab also has a BioQuant Osteo Image Analysis System which is dedicated to our research projects.

Quantification of skeletal parameters in these tissue sections can be performed with a bone-specific image analysis system and a microscope, equipped with both, bright-field and fluorescence capabilities. Being able to assess bone volume and how it is regulated, can lead to the identification of skeletal pathologies and the evaluation of potential countermeasures.

Other services provided by our lab include: Paraffin processing, embedding, sectioning, staining and quantification, Micro-CT scanning, Cryo-sectioning, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Rheometric Analysis and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis. We also have the capability to Process, Embed (in plastic resin), Section, Stain and Quantify small and large specimens with metal and/or polymeric implants.