The dual-frequency method for ultrasonic assessment of skeletal system

The article is a review of the new dual-frequency method in axial bone quantitative ultrasonometry for assessment of changes in cortical bones in osteoporosis. The method is based on the use of two frequencies for the generation of flexural and longitudinal ultrasonic waves, which opens possibilities for differential diagnostics of changes in various components of the state of the skeletal system, such as cortical layer thickness, porosity, and elastic properties of tissue. The axial scanning and composition of two-dimensional acoustic profiles of bones are carried out with the purpose of using topographic variations in the acoustic properties for diagnostics of the state of a bone. Results of laboratory and clinical tests of Bone UltraSonic Scanner (BUSS) developed in Artann Laboratories on the basis of the stated principles are presented. The sensitivity of measured characteristics to progression of osteoporosis and the detectability of early changes in bones related to this disease are shown.