Development of a new ultrasonic technique for bone and biomaterials in vitro characterization

Abstract

Classical techniques based on bone imaging allow visual examination or provide quantitative parameters like bone mineral density, which is a mass per unit of surface. Unfortunately, these techniques are generally expensive. A new method of bone characterization that uses ultrasound techniques is presented in this article. This method is able to evaluate mechanical properties like Young's modulus E and cortical bone thickness with low-frequency transducers and does not require the use of a coupling medium. Some results of Young's modulus measurements are presented and compared to the literature values and the pulse echo method.

Measuring guided waves in long bones: Modeling and experiments in free and immersed plates

“…The possibility of measuring guided waves in bone using an axial transmission technique has recently been proposed and demonstrated by our group (Nicholson et al 2002;Moilanen et al 2003;Muller et al 2005) and others (Lefebvre et al 2002;Lee and Yoon 2004). It has been shown that Lamb wave theory for plates can closely predict the results for phantoms (Nicholson et al 2002;Lee and Yoon 2004) and for bones measured in vitro (Lefebvre et al 2002;Lee and Yoon 2004).…”

“…It has been shown that Lamb wave theory for plates can closely predict the results for phantoms (Nicholson et al 2002;Lee and Yoon 2004) and for bones measured in vitro (Lefebvre et al 2002;Lee and Yoon 2004).…”

Use of multiple acoustic wave modes for assessment of long bones: Model study

“…An attempt to apply pulse-echo reflections to measure the cortical thickness was described [14]. Theoretical simulation studies on ultrasound axial propagation in model systems, confirmed by further experiments, demonstrated the possibility of ultrasonic assessment of CT by zero antisymmetric (A0) Lamb waves [15,16]. Propagation parameters of different acoustical wave modes were investigated in acrylic plates and tubes of varying wall thickness, where experimentally determined dispersion of the A0 Lamb wave velocity was in good correspondence with the theoretical predictions [17].…”

Correlation of Tibial Low-Frequency Ultrasound Velocity with Femoral Radiographic Measurements and BMD in Elderly Women

“…The entire thickness of cortical bone can be examined, which makes the Lamb waves an appealing method for bone examination. (Lefebvre et al 2002;Nicholson et al 2002;Viktorov 1967) Overlying soft tissue causes a delay in the recorded FAS in in vivo measurements. This has a substantial effect on the calculated ultrasound velocity.…”