Ultrasound Technique Employing Laser Beams Provides More Effective Evaluation of Osteoporosis

Laser-based measurements are becoming a promising method for the assessment of osteoporosis. A team of Finnish researchers has developed an ultrasound technique that utilizes laser beams for a quick and accurate assessment of osteoporosis.

The research is part of the Photonics and Modern Imaging Techniques Research Program of the Academy of Finland (Helsinki) and involves input by researchers from the Finnish Universities of Jyväskylä, Helsinki, and Oulu. There is an evident need for new measuring methods, since fractures caused by osteoporosis signify a considerable public health challenge, and the current X-ray methods measure bone density alone and, thus, cannot effectively predict future fractures.

On a yearly basis, osteoporosis causes about 40,000 fractures in Finland, and the related treatment costs add up to hundreds of millions of euros. “The X-ray-based DXA [dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry] method that is currently in use is expensive, and therefore, does not allow for population screening. Furthermore, there are some limitations in the accuracy of the method,” said Prof. Jussi Timonen, from the University of Jyväskylä , and the leader of the project.

According to Dr. Timonen, ultrasound-based techniques have long been developed for the purpose of creating a cost-efficient and rapid way of screening for osteoporosis. Basically, ultrasound methods are more adaptable than X-ray techniques, but they are quite susceptible to disturbances, and therefore, have not so far produced very reliable measurements. “The measuring difficulties arise from, for instance, disturbances caused by the necessary contact between the ultrasound source and the skin, and by the layer of soft tissue on top of the bone.”

The new technique is being developed for the purposes of evaluating osteoporosis screening, and for the first time, in the case of bone, laser-based photo-acoustic methods for producing ultrasound. “We direct a suitable laser beam at the surface of the skin to produce an ultrasound pulse that will propagate along the bone. This prevents contact problems during the measurement process. Furthermore, the ultrasound pulse can be easily tailored by adjusting the laser beam. This enables us to achieve a much more accurate measurement,” Prof. Timonen described.

The next phase is to convert this research into a clinical trial, and therefore, the scientists are currently putting the final finishes on the measurement equipment for use on test subjects.

Related Links:
Academy of Finland
University of Jyväskylä
University of Helsinki