The main objective of this paper was to assess the cortical bone thickness of human lumbar
vertebra, through Computed Tomography (CT) images by using radiology reading software
(iQ-VIEW), image processing software (ScanIP) and the rapid prototyping (RP) experimental
methodology. 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
the cortical bone thickness and the biomechanical resistance of human lumbar vertebra are
presented in this work. The acquirement of accurate values, concerning cortical bone
thickness, could improve the prediction of fracture risk