Bone mineral density analysis using ultra wideband microwave measurements

Abstract

A novel approach to analyze the bone mineral density (BMD) based on microwave reflectivity analysis is presented in this paper. The proposed method enables us to overcome the health risks associated with diagnostic techniques such as X-rays for repeated study of the rate of mineralization in the case of fractures or de-mineralization in the case of osteoporosis. In this paper, we demonstrate the application of Microwaves for continuous observation of skull healing process during post-cranial surgery period. The proposed technique can be a potential clinical model in future for extracting target characteristics such as bone deposition thickness and other cranial defects. Based on the conclusions of wideband measured data, we propose to design the Transceiver using ultra wideband (UWB) pulsed technology.