Optimal transmission occurs when X-Ray absorption through each material in the field of view has unique radiodensity without saturation (maximum absorption or transmission) as shown in Figure S1 . To delineate the smallest feature of interest within the sample, a minimum of 2–4 pixels/voxels are needed. Low spatial resolution can limit visualization of small features of interest; more pixels/voxels will increase resolution of smaller features. Improper tuning of the X-ray settings, exposure time, and power settings can result in artifacts in the image. An appropriate filter needs to be applied relative to the accelerating voltage (kV) and radiodensity of the sample to tune out the lower kV spectrum and allow the higher kV spectrum. Higher atomic density materials require higher accelerating voltages. More radiodense samples require thicker filters. In our case, aluminum is thinner (less filtration) than copper (more filtration). X-ray settings, exposure time, and power settings need to be optimized to have sufficient transmission through the sample to resolve the Microfil, bone, PTA per the above criteria. Our workflow can be done on any Micro-CT machine so long as these principles are followed.
Micro-CT images were visualized and rendered in 3D using the Bruker software suite, including SkyScan CTVox.
Micro-CT images were visualized and rendered in 3D using the Bruker software suite, including SkyScan CTVox.