Measurement of Wave Velocity in Cortical Bone by Micro-Brillouin Scattering Technique: Effect of Bone Tissue Properties

Abstract

Hypersonic wave velocity was measured in the cortical bone of bovine femur using a micro-Brillouin scattering technique. Using thin plate specimens, wave velocities propagating in the bone axis direction were measured. Next, focusing on the hydroxyapatite (HAp), which is one of the main components of bone, we estimated the relationship between wave velocity and HAp content. The decalcification caused a clear wave velocity decrease from 5.06×10 3 to 3.28×10 3 m/s, showing the strong effects of HAp on the elasticity of bone. The micro-Brillouin scattering technique would be helpful for the evaluation of bone characterization in a small area.