Patent ID: 6468215
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for quantitative and non-invasive assessment of bone conditions comprising the steps of:acoustical coupling of an ultrasonic probe with a body surface over the bone, said probe comprising emitting and receiving transducers; emitting and propagating ultrasonic pulses along a predetermined trajectory on a surface of said bone with said emitting transducers; acquiring a series of ultrasonic signals from said receiving transducers during continuous movement of said ultrasonic probe along said trajectory; acquiring distance readings along said trajectory; calculating one or more parameters of ultrasound propagation selected from the group consisting of velocities of longitudinal and flexural wave components, attenuation, frequency slope of attenuation, spectral derivatives, and spatial characteristics of said parameters; and evaluating said parameters for diagnostically determining characteristics of said bone.