METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF BIOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES USING ULTRASOUND

摘要

A method and apparatus for measuring mechanical properties of a system under investigation, such as the biomechanical properties and dynamic characteristics of a musculoskeletal system in the human body. The system under investigation includes multiple component parts (eg. bones, muscles, ligaments, etc) having differing ultrasound reflection / transmission properties and whose relative spatial relationship can vary due to the resilience, plasticity and or elasticity of at least one of the component parts. Movement in the system is induced by way of a mechanical stimulator. Ultrasound detection signals are directed into the system at times such that at least some induced movement has occurred in target structures within the system, between a first detection signal and a second detection signal. Ultrasound echo signals are used to determine mechanical properties of the system.