Architecture in cortical bone and ultrasound transmission velocity

The square of ultrasound transmission velocity in a material is correlated to the modulus of elasticity, which is an indicator of its mechanical properties. This might make the measurement of ultrasound transmission velocity useful in the noninvasive diagnosis of bone diseases. Bone, however, is not an isotropic material but is architecturally structured. The aim of our study was to investigate and especially to quantify the influence of architecture in cortical bone on ultrasound transmission velocity. Twenty-two rectangular, flat specimens of cortical bone were prepared from diaphysis of fresh pig radius. Ultrasound transmission velocity was measured parallel and perpendicular to direction of Haversian channels. It was found to be 3647 +/- 41 m/s parallel to and 2821 +/- 29 m/s perpendicular to Haversian channels respectively (p < 0.001). Our results clearly indicate that there is an important influence of architecture in cortical bone on ultrasound transmission velocity which has to be taken into account in its clinical use.