Method and apparatus for non-invasive analyzing the structure and chemical composition of bone tissue eliminating the influence of surrounding tissues

Abstract

A method and apparatus for non-invasive analysing the structure and chemical composition of bone tissue eliminating the influence of surrounding tissues, is provided. The method consists in using a system of at least four electrodes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) placed in electrical contact with tissues surrounding the analysed bone, preferably a long bone to establish screening potential distribution using screening electrodes (7, 8). Measuring current injecting electrodes (1, 2) are used to force the measuring current flow through the internal part of the analysed bone. At the same time the screening electrodes (7, 8) reduce the measuring current flow through the tissues surrounding the analysed bone almost to zero. Then measuring current and potential at the measuring current injecting electrodes (1, 2) as well as phase difference between potential at measuring current injecting electrodes (1, 2) and measuring current are measured. On the basis of measured electrical values the structure and chemical composition of bones is evaluated.

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