Ultrasound multiple scattering for the assessment of bone micro-architecture

Abstract

Retrieving bone micro-architectural parameters non-invasively using ultrasound would enable the monitoring of bone loss, and the follow up of the efficacy of treatments. When ultrasound propagate in bone in the MHz range, multiple scattering is non-negligible, and we demonstrate that it is possible to take advantage of it. We propose methods based on ultrasound multiple scattering for the quantification of micro-architectural parameters in cortical and trabecular bone. Using linear transducer arrays at 5 and 8 MHz, we present both finite differences simulations and experimental results in 3D printed phantoms of trabecular bone, in equine trabecular bone and in human cortical and trabecular bone. We show that the framework of the Independent Scattering Approximation can be used to model the attenuation in both cortical and trabecular bone. We demonstrate that measuring the diffusion constant is feasible in cortical and trabecular bone, and that it is correlated to micro-architectural parameters. Preliminar...