The use of ultrasonics in orthopaedics--a review.

Ultrasonic testing of bones has been used with varying degrees of success for more than 40 years to determine mechanical properties of bone tissue and strength of whole bones. Ultrasound has also been used in an effort to develop non-invasive techniques for monitoring fracture healing in long bones. Despite early promising results, clinically useful methods have yet to be developed. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature of determining mechanical properties of bone and the monitoring of fracture healing.