Ultrasound velocity and attenuation in relation to maximum trabecula stress in the patella

The ultrasound velocity and attenuation were examined in 16 sets of human p atellae. The average ultrasound velocity of patella was shown to be greater in the superior/inferior direction than in the anterior/posterior and medi al/lateral directions. The distribution of bone mineral density (BMD) was a lso examined. The BMD of the patella varied with location. BMD values were largest at the superior and lateral regions and decreased inferiorly and me dially. A two-dimensional finite element analysis was performed on each pat ella. The maximum von Mises stress occurred along the cortical shell on the non-articular surface. The trabecular von Mises stress existed in the post erior region of the patella. Correlation study showed that patellar BMD was significantly associated with each of three directional ultrasound velocit ies. The relationship between BMD and ultrasound attenuation was not signif icant. It was also found that the ultrasound velocity and attenuation were not significantly correlated with the maximum von Mises stress. (C) 1999 IP EM. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.