Three-dimensional terahertz computed tomography of human bones

Appl Opt. 2012 Oct 1;51(28):6738-44. doi: 10.1364/AO.51.006738.

Abstract

Three-dimensional terahertz computed tomography has been used to investigate dried human bones such as a lumbar vertebra, a coxal bone, and a skull, with a direct comparison with standard radiography. In spite of lower spatial resolution compared with x-ray, terahertz imaging clearly discerns a compact bone from a spongy one, with strong terahertz absorption as shown by additional terahertz time-domain transmission spectroscopy.

MeSH terms

  • Bone and Bones / anatomy & histology
  • Bone and Bones / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / anatomy & histology
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Pelvic Bones / anatomy & histology
  • Pelvic Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Skull / anatomy & histology
  • Skull / diagnostic imaging
  • Terahertz Imaging / methods*
  • Terahertz Radiation
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods