Heterogeneity of ultrasonic wave properties in ex vivo cortical bone of racehorse.

This article focuses on experimentally assessing the ultrasonic wave properties—velocity, attenuation, and frequency dependence of attenuation (FDA)—of the third metatarsal cortical bone in thoroughbred racehorses using ex vivo specimens. The study found that the bone exhibits uniaxial anisotropy and significant heterogeneity in ultrasonic properties across the axial cross section, with wave velocity correlating negatively with attenuation in dense cortical regions, suggesting a relationship to bone matrix quality and porosity. These findings highlight the potential of quantitative ultrasound, particularly axial transmission (AT) techniques, as a portable and cost-effective method for evaluating bone elastic stiffness and microstructure in racehorses, which may aid early diagnosis of lower limb bone diseases such as bucked shin. The research provides foundational data to support the development of clinical ultrasound devices for large animals and improved wave propagation simulations.