Abstract
The bone sound transmission test is a valuable diagnostic adjunct in the fracture healing process. The test can be used as an approach to understanding intensity of bone union through frequency analysis, based on the theory that energy absorption (which reflects severity of bone destruction) correlates with the natural vibration frequency of the bone by quadratic function. In carrying out the test, one side of the bone is transcutaneously struck with a hammer. The bone vibrates, and the vibration is received as a sound wave on the other side of the bone through a microphone. This test was used in 29 dogs to evaluate potential usefulness in clinical application. Then it was carried out in 57 clinical cases of bone fracture. Results of animal experiment revealed that in a case of external skeletal fixation, the energy absorption value which serves as an index of level of bone union could correlate with the frequency of bone vibration emitted by quadratic function. In addition, this test was useful in tracing the bone union process in conservative treatment group and an external skeletal fixation group in animal experiment and clinical cases. Comparatively, the test was not as useful in an internal fixation group.
