Distribution of longitudinal wave properties in bovine cortical bone in vitro.

The detailed spatial distributions of longitudinal ultrasonic velocity in cortical bone specimens obtained from three bovine femoral diaphysis were experimentally investigated using a pulse-echo system. The relationship between velocity, density, bone mineral density (BMD) and microstructure was investigated. Velocity was found to vary as a function of the direction of propagation and the location of the measured specimens in the bone diaphysis. A significant correlation was found between density and velocity, and between density and BMD. In some parts with plexiform structure, clear variations in velocity anisotropy were found despite no significant difference in density, BMD and microstructure.