On the modeling of wave propagation in cancellous bone

The paper present theoretical and experimental issues related to application of Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) for assessment of cancellous bone quality and prediction of bone fractures. Commonly used for modeling of ultrasonic wave propagation in cancellous bone, the macroscopic Biot's theory is discussed in context of its potential applicability for theoretical prediction of wave parameters: phase velocity and attenuation coefficient as functions of frequency and porosity. The analysis of the model is focused on the absorption and scattering mechanisms responsible for wave attenuation dispersion in cancellous bone, which based on the ultrasonic experiments presumably play a predominant role in the total attenuation. The suitability of the model is discussed and verified by comparison of results of sensitivity analysis of the model with ex vivo experimental ultrasonic data for cancellous bones filled with different fluids obtained at 0.5, 1 and 2 MHz.