Microwave sensing for human bone health evaluation

Abstract

An increased global prevalence of osteoporosis has necessitated research into accessible and efficient methods for periodic evaluation of bone mineral density (BMD). The purpose of the research is early diagnosis and intervention to reduce the risks associated with low BMD. In this article, a non-invasive methodology is discussed which utilizes electromagnetic parameters of the bone to evaluate the BMD. By this methodology, an ultra-wideband system with monopole antennas is used to record the changes in parameters of the electromagnetic signal passing through the sample under test. The parametric changes are manifested as a time delay in the temporal domain and simultaneously a spectral attenuation is noted. The concurrence of the time-frequency parameters is utilized to make a calculated assessment of the change in BMD parameters. Statistical techniques are used on the observations to quantify the progress of osteoporosis.