title: Callus mineralization following distraction osteogenesis of the mandible monitored by scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Scanning acoustic microscopy uses ultrasound to analyse histomorphology of tissues with microscopic resolution and delivers data about physical properties of the specimen.
  
  
  METHODS
  Bony consolidation was monitored by scanning acoustic microscopy in 12 embedded specimens of dog mandibles after distraction osteogenesis. Increasing mineralization was detected by measurements of acoustic impedance (Z).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a strong correlation between acoustic impedance and time of consolidation. Measurements of the speed of sound (v) provided specific information about non-mineralized zones of the distracted area. Distribution of density in the distracted area could be reconstructed by using the measurements of acoustic impedance and speed of sound.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The method seems suitable for studying bone remodelling qualitatively and quantitatively.
authors.affiliation: AO-Research Institute, Davos-Platz, Switzerland. n_adolphs@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Nicolai
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Adolphs
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kunz
authors.forename: Pawel
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pyk
authors.forename: Beat
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hammer
authors.forename: Berton
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rahn
mesh_terms: D000162:Acoustics; D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology; D002146:Bony Callus / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D004285:Dogs; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D033401:Microscopy, Acoustic / Q000379:methods; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction; D013997:Time Factors