Microwave Bone Imaging: Simulation and Experimental Study using Monopole Antenna

Abstract

This article looks into the ability of microwave imaging (MWI) to identify fractures in superficial bones, such as the tibia, in a simple and easy arrangement. This approach can be used by first responders to establish a rapid first diagnosis in emergency settings when x-rays are unavailable. It might also be beneficial in cases when x-rays are not suggested (for example, pregnant women or toddlers). In this study, the patch antenna was built to work at frequencies ranging from 1 to 3 GHz. The sensor detects fracture depths of 0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2 mm. The results were compared to the antenna's S-parameters measured in free space and in bone with no fractures. Initially, the dielectric characteristics of human heel tissue were investigated. Next, the suggested approach scans a bone model with simulated fractures using a 2.4 GHz monopole antenna. Skin and background artifacts were removed using a singular value decomposition (SVD) approach, and the findings were compared to S-antenna parameters measured in free space and on unfractured bone. The S-parameter results show how well microwave sensor technology works as a less expensive substitute for human fracture detection. Ex vivo animal bones and multilayer phantoms were used in a number of full-wave studies and simulations to verify this technique. The findings demonstrated that, even in the presence of two millimeters of skin covering a transverse fracture, the system could identify and localize fractures as tiny as 1 mm broad and 13 mm deep.