Ultrasonic array for bone sonography

A method for producing an image using an ultrasound system, the method comprising:

• a) acquiring ultrasound data by:
• i) transmitting a plurality of ultrasound signals directed outwardly at a bone to be imaged, wherein the signals are transmitted at frequencies in the range of 0.5 to 5 MHz, wherein the signals are reflected by features within the imaged object to produce echoes;
• ii) measuring the echoes, wherein the measured echoes include echoes reflected from multiple spatial locations within the bone to be imaged;
• b) producing an image of the bone from the received echoes.

A method for predicting pedicle cortical breach, the method comprising:

• a) inserting into the pedicle a tool comprising an annular ultrasound transducer;
• b) acquiring ultrasound data by:
• i) transmitting from the annular ultrasound transducer a plurality of ultrasound signals directed both outwardly and forwardly relative to the insertional trajectory of the tool, wherein the signals are transmitted at a frequency in a range of 0.5 to 5 MHz, wherein the signals are reflected by features within the pedicle to produce echoes;
• ii) measuring the echoes using a the annular ultrasound transducer, wherein the measured echoes include echoes reflected from multiple spatial locations within the pedicle;
• c) producing an image of the pedicle from the received echoes, wherein the image includes the cortical boundary of the pedicle, wherein a spatial relationship between the inserted tool and the cortical boundary is depicted in the image
• d) predicting the possibility for cortical breach based on the image obtained in step c).

A system for producing an image of bone using an ultrasound system, the system comprising:

• a) a phased annular transducer comprising a plurality of transducer elements arranged in a ring configuration, wherein the plurality of transducer elements comprises elements configured to transmit ultrasound signals and elements configured to received ultrasound echoes, and wherein the ultrasound signal is transmitted at a frequency in a range of 0.5 to 5 MHz;
• b) a tool configured to probe or cannulate bone, wherein the tool comprises the phased annular transducer;
• c) an imaging processor in communication with the phased annular transducer;
• d) an imaging display coupled with the imaging processor;
• and
• e) an electronic controller coupled with the tool and the phased annular transducer, wherein the electronic controller is configured to control the operation of the tool to move the tool in a desired direction.