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Ultrasonic velocity as a predictor of strength in bovine cancellous bone

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Summary

Ultrasonic methods measure properties intrinsic to bone's structure that are not necessarily dependent on bone mass. Therefore, ultrasound may prove to be a useful tool for diagnosing bone fragility and osteoporosis. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between apparent velocity of ultrasound (AVU) measured using the Osteo Technology prototype I machine and cancellous bone yield strength (σy). AVU correlated well with σy (r=0.753). Consistent with theory, the best predictor of cancellous bone strength was the combination of apparent density (ρa) and AVU, ρa(AVU)2, which had an r2 of 77.4%.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Hard Tissue Research, Creighton University Dental School, 2802 Webster, 68178, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

    Charles H. Turner & Michele Eich

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  1. Charles H. Turner
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  2. Michele Eich
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Turner, C.H., Eich, M. Ultrasonic velocity as a predictor of strength in bovine cancellous bone. Calcif Tissue Int 49, 116–119 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02565132

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02565132

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