Title :
A new quality of bone ultrasound research
Author_Institution :
Medizinische Phys., Univ. Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel
fDate :
7/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) methods have strong power to predict osteoporotic fractures, but they are also very relevant for the assessment of bone quality. A representative sample of recent studies addressing these topics can be found in this special issue. Further pursuit of these methods will establish micro-QUS imaging methods as tools for measuring specific aspects of bone quality. Once this is achieved, we will be able to link such data to the clinical QUS methods used in vivo to determine which aspects of bone quality cause QUS to be a predictor of fracture risk that is independent of bone mineral density (BMD). Potentially this could lead to the development of a new generation of QUS devices for improved and expanded clinical assessment. Good quality of basic science work will thus lead to good quality of clinical patient examinations on the basis of a more detailed assessment of bone quality.
Keywords :
biomechanics; biomedical ultrasonics; bone; fracture; patient diagnosis; ultrasonic imaging; bone mineral density; bone quality assessment; bone ultrasound research; fracture risk predictor; micro-QUS imaging; osteoporotic fractures; quantitative ultrasound methods; Anisotropic magnetoresistance; Bones; History; In vivo; Mechanical variables measurement; Microstructure; Minerals; Osteoporosis; Risk management; Ultrasonic imaging; Osteoporosis; Quantitative ultrasound; Algorithms; Biomedical Research; Bone Density; Bone and Bones; Elastic Modulus; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Forecasting; Humans; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Research; Stress, Mechanical; Ultrasonography;
Journal_Title :
Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TUFFC.2008.828