Non-invasive detection of fracture and/or fatigue of a bone

An apparatus for detecting fracture or fatigue in a bone of a subject, the apparatus comprising:

• an ultrasound transmitter configured to transmit a first ultrasound signal;
• a transmitter mount having a contact surface, a mounting surface, and a transmitter holder, wherein:
• the contact surface is configured to contact a surface of the subject;
• the mounting surface is angled at an angle to a transverse direction of the bone and not parallel to the transverse direction of the bone;
• and
• the transmitter holder is configured to hold the ultrasound transmitter proximate the subject and at the angle;
• and
• an ultrasound receiver configured to receive a second ultrasound signal and positioned at a distance from the ultrasound transmitter.

A method for detecting fracture or fatigue in a bone of a subject, the method comprising:

• positioning an ultrasound transmitter proximate to the subject, exterior to the subject, and above the bone of the subject, the ultrasound transmitter being positioned at an angle to a transverse direction of the bone and not parallel to the transverse direction of the bone;
• positioning an ultrasound receiver proximate the subject, exterior to the subject, and above the bone of the subject, the ultrasound receiver being positioned a distance from the ultrasound transmitter along the transverse direction of the bone;
• transmitting, from the ultrasound transmitter, first ultrasound signal;
• receiving, at the ultrasound receiver, second ultrasound signal;
• and
• detecting at least one of fracture or fatigue in the bone of the subject based on the second ultrasound signal.