The analysis of human cortical bone by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

Samples of cortical bone, derived from human femur, have been studied using terahertz time-domain transmission spectroscopy. The relationship between the broadband THz parameters and the previously acquired values of Young's modulus and x-ray attenuation (CT number), and the density of each bone sample, is investigated. The only significant correlation is that between THz transmission and sample density, suggesting that the potential use of THz radiation as a non-invasive probe of bone quality is limited. The spectra of absorption coefficient and refractive index are plotted over the frequency range 0.1–1.25 THz. There is evidence that the sample hydration state is a factor in the resultant THz parameters.