Real-time ultrasound imaging of complex skeletal defects and fractures Preliminary results

We report preliminary results on the use of ultrasound imaging techniques for real-time assessment of intact bones and bones with different types of fractures in animal samples ex vivo. Methods: Twenty-three cases of intact tibias and sixteen cases of fractured tibias obtained from rabbit, chicken and sheep samples were 2D and 3D scanned using a Sonix RP diagnostic ultrasound system and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: We report representative 2D and 3D results obtained for intact and fractured tibias in selected ex vivo rabbit, chicken and sheep animal samples. In selected cases, X-rays and CT data are also reported for a visual comparison with the ultrasound images. These preliminary results suggest that 2D and 3D real-time ultrasound imaging techniques have the potential to provide non-invasive and fast visualization of cortical defects in different types of bones. Conclusion: This study indicates that ultrasound imaging techniques can be used for a prompt assessment of bone defects including fractures and controlled defects. Off-line, more advanced image processing and analysis techniques can be used to further refine and improve the quality of the 3D ultrasound images especially in the case of bones located in deep tissues.