Bone assessment apparatus and method

A bone assessment apparatus for transmitting and receiving measuring waves through the test part to diagnose the test part based on data obtained from the received wave, comprising:

• transmitting/receiving devices for transmitting and receiving measuring waves through the test part;
• a measuring bath for containing a coupling liquid to exclude an air layer between the test part and the transmitting/receiving devices;
• noncontacting means removably provided in the measuring bath for keeping the test part out of contact with the coupling liquid;
• means for detecting the existence of the noncontacting means;
• and
• a data processor for computing diagnosis data based on the received measuring waves, said data processor being capable of correcting the diagnosis data computed from the received wave on the basis of a specific correction value assigned to each of the noncontacting means, when the existence of the noncontacting means is detected by the detecting means.

A bone assessment apparatus comprising:

• a measuring bath containing a coupling liquid into which a heel of a patient is adapted to be immersed for diagnosis;
• Ultrasonic wave and X-ray measuring devices for irradiating an ultrasonic wave and an X-ray to the heel of the patient to perform a measurement of a bone strength;
• and
• means removably provided in the measuring bath for keeping the heel out of contact with the coupling liquid inside the measuring bath.