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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

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01-09-2004 | Original Article

Assessment of the metabolic activity of bone grafts with ¹⁸F-fluoride PET

Authors: Winfried Brenner, Cheryl Vernon, Ernest U. Conrad, Janet F. Eary

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 9/2004

Abstract

Purpose

The aims of this prospective study were to evaluate quantitative approaches to ¹⁸F-fluoride positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in allogenic bone grafts of the limbs, and to assess the time course of graft healing after surgery.

Methods

We performed a total of 52 dynamic ¹⁸F-fluoride PET studies in 34 patients with cancellous and full bone grafts. Seven patients were imaged three times at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery, and four patients were imaged twice. PET data were quantitatively analyzed using non-linear regression (NLR) analysis, Patlak analysis, and standardized uptake value (SUV).

Results

Fluoride bone metabolism in cancellous grafts decreased by 25% from 6 to 12 months post surgery, and revealed a total decrease of 60–65% after 2 years for SUV, K _Pat, and K _NLR. Full bone grafts first showed an increase by 20% from 6 to 12 months and from then on decreased to 70% of the initial activity at the end of 2 years with either quantification method. In two patients with non-union of their full bone grafts, increases in SUV, K _Pat, K _NLR, and K ₁ far above average and outside the normal time pattern were observed. Highly significant correlations were found between SUV, K _Pat, K _NLR, and K ₁ for both grafts and normal limb bones. In patients imaged repeatedly, the percentage changes in fluoride graft metabolism were also significantly correlated between SUV, K _Pat, and K _NLR.

Conclusion

Quantitative ¹⁸F-fluoride PET is a promising tool for assessment of fluoride metabolism and normal healing in bone grafts of the limbs.

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Title: Assessment of the metabolic activity of bone grafts with 18F-fluoride PET
Authors: Winfried Brenner
Cheryl Vernon
Ernest U. Conrad
Janet F. Eary
Publication date: 01-09-2004
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 9/2004
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-004-1568-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Assessment of the metabolic activity of bone grafts with ¹⁸F-fluoride PET

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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