Ultrasonic scattering study of cancellous bone for osteoporosis diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis of osteoporosis requires the measurement of the thickness and interval of trabecular bones. The ultrasound signals scattered by trabecular bones are analyzed using a multilayered grating model of cancellous bone. The scattering function is derived using the model, and is proved in experiment to be effective by measuring planar stainless steel nets. The thickness and interval of trabecular bone are evaluated in the frequency domain and the spatial domain of the scattering angle. The experimentally estimated values of the thickness and intervals of trabecular bone in a cow's thigh and formalinized human heel, are approximately equal to the values measured with a mechanical scale.