The main objective of this paper was to assess the cortical bone thickness of human lumbar
vertebra, through Computed Tomography (CT) images by using both image processing
software and rapid prototyping (RP) experimental methodologies. The study here presented
focus sixteen postmenopausal patients from the North of Portugal, with age between 50 and
85 years, collected from May to June 2011. All clinical data were obtained in a Medical
Centre of Radiology and Imaging, in Porto. Results regarding cortical bone thickness and
biomechanical resistance of human lumbar vertebra are presented. The acquirement of
accurate values concerning cortical bone thickness could improve the prediction of fracture
risk.
