Ultrasonic transmission velocity and single photon absorptiometric measurement of metacarpal bone strength: an in vitro study in the horse.

This research evaluated the strength of horse bones using methods such as ultrasonic transmission velocity and single photon absorptiometry. The findings suggest promising correlations between these non-invasive measurement techniques and traditional lab analysis.

Research Methods

• The study involved ten pairs of third metacarpal bones from Thoroughbred horses aged two to 12 years.
• Different measurements like ultrasound velocity across the bone’s cortex, cortical cross-sectional area, and the bone mineral content were obtained using ultrasonic transmission velocity and single photon absorptiometry.

Data Examination

• The researchers utilized this collected data to calculate the bone mineral density, compact bone density, and modulus of elasticity (which is a measure of bone’s resistance to deformation).
• These calculated values were thereafter compared with those obtained through direct physical measurement or chemical analysis of the bone.

Research Findings

• The study presented satisfying correlations between the estimated values from the non-invasive methods (ultrasonic and absorptiometric techniques) and the ones derived from direct or chemical analysis.
• The research reported that single photon absorptiometry was more precise in measuring bone strength than its counterpart, dual photon absorptiometry.

Outcome of the Study

• The estimated modulus of elasticity in the transverse direction agreed strongly with the measured longitudinal value acquired by compression testing.
• This study conclusively affirmed the effectiveness and accuracy of the ultrasonic and photon absorptiometric technique for non-invasive measurement of bone strength.