Computational Modeling of Ultrasound Wave Propagation in Bone

Abstract

Simulation of ultrasound wave propagation in bones has attracted the interest of many research groups worldwide during the last two decades. Recently, powerful numerical tools have been developed which make efficient use of memory resources and computation time and render the solution of complicated transient problems for complex and nonhomogeneous geometries feasible even to nonexperts in modeling. The availability of advanced computer-aided engineering tools in combination with high-resolution two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images of bone at different scales has significantly contributed to the development of more realistic computational models of bone extending thus our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of ultrasound propagation. Computational studies mostly exploit measurements of the propagation velocity and attenuation and more recently of guided waves for characterizing bone status and health in cases of pathologies or traumas. However, accurate and safe conclusions from numerical simulation should be drawn only after careful interpretation of the results and preferably in combination with experimental and clinical findings. In this chapter, we present a comprehensive state of the art of the existing computational studies on ultrasound wave propagation in intact and pathologic bones and discuss interesting directions for future research.