In standardized specimens of fresh normal and pathologic human cortical bone a high degree of correlation has been found between the transmission velocity of ultrasonic energy and the accurate measurement of selected physival properties. These parameters include the mass density, the modulus of elasticity and mathematical formulation of the breaking strength of human bone
These preliminary observations and their apparent ready reproducibility are clear indications that ultrasonic transmission velocity has the capability of accurately quantitating the modulus of elasticity and other physical properties in the standard bone test object. Should these observations maintain their accuracy and reliability in the research and development necessary to generate instrumentation for use in the patient, we would have a safe, reliable and accurate manner of determining the strength characteristics of human bone.