Background

Low bone mass affects more than 54 million men and women in the US. Consequences such as fractures of the hip and vertebrae can be fatal. 24% of those who suffer a hip fracture will die within 1 year. After 6 months, only 15% can walk unaided. Hip fractures are the single largest reason for nursing home admissions.

Technology

Dr. Yi-Xian Qin, professor at Stony Brook University invented SCAN1 which is a new diagnostic and therapeutic device that utilizes the properties of low energy ultrasound to quantify bone mineral density, predict future risk and quality of bone. The out comes of this project will provide underlying mechanisms for guided ultrasound in localized treatment of skeletal diseases.

Advantages

Early and accurate diagnosis of bone density and bone quality loss will permit osteoporosis to be diagnosed in a timely manner, enabling appropriate prevention and treatment methodologies to be employed.

Application

The device allows for the wrist or heel to be scanned in less than 5 minutes.