A method for measuring porosity in the bones using electrical impedance tomography

Abstract Objective . This paper describes a new method for measuring human bone density based on the measurement of bone electrical conductivity (BEC) using the well-known technique: electrical impedance tomography (EIT). Approach . The hypothesis is that BEC is directly related to bone mineral density. The proposed method consists of measuring the EIT, and then obtaining the conductivity values of the bones, and take this value to associate this one to a level of porosity. A model of skin, muscle, and bone was developed using computer simulation to vary the porosity in bones and obtain an inverse model in the form of an equation to measure three levels of porosity. Main results . The behavior of different porosity levels was simulated, and impedance tomography was applied; it is shown that electrical conductivity varies according to bone porosity. A relationship was subsequently obtained between the measurement of conductivity and bone density, creating a new non-invasive method for possible application to early detection of osteoporosis. Significance . This is a novel, non-invasive method for possible application on the early detection of osteoporosis at three different levels of bone porosity.