Using Acoustic Emission Technique to Diagnose Spinal Osteoporosis and Estimate the Risk of Spinal Compression Fractures

Principle Investigator: Thomas Mazahery
Co-investigators: Ronald Childs, Mark Theiss, Jihui Li

Osteoporosis is a major health problem and affects millions of people. It can cause spinal compression fractures (SCF) that influence about 40% of women during their life time. However, current diagnostic tool, bone mineral density (BMD), was proved not reliable. As a result, many patients have been treated improperly, either misidentified or incorrectly dosed. In this study we propose an Acoustic Emission (AE) technique to diagnose the spinal osteoporosis and estimate the risk of SCF. To validate this technique, we will simulate flexion/extension on spines of both cadavers and real patients, and monitor the AE microcracks during the tests. Through comparing the properties (number, energy, amplitude and waveform) of the AE microcracks from the two tests and correlating them with micro damages occurred in the vertebrae, we can assess the performance of the AE technique as a tool when diagnosing the spinal osteoporosis and estimating the risk of SCF. The AE technique, if validated, may significantly increase the accuracy of the diagnosis and treatment of millions of patients suffering from spinal osteoporosis and SCF. Improvement in healthcare and cost reduction can be expected.