Experimental characterization of human cancellous bone via the first ultrasonic reflected wave

What is it about?

In this paper, enhanced characterization of human cancellous bone using reflected ultrasound waves is proposed using the Biot theory modified by the Johnson et al. model. Three physical parameters are inverted simultaneously: porosity, tortuosity and viscous characteristic length. Tests are performed using two samples of trabecular bone. Experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions, giving a good correlation.

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Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Highlights • An ultrasound method is presented to measure the porosity, tortuosity and the viscous characteristic length of human cancellous bone. • Biot theory modified by Johnson et al is considered. • The reflection coefficient at the first bone surface is obtained at high frequencies. • A single transducer is used playing the role of transmitter and receiver of ultrasonic waves. • The inverted values found are in good agreement with those found in the literature.