CaviTAU® is an imaging process to measure bone density and quality in the jawbone area.
The CaviTAU® device for Trans-Alveolar Ultrasound (TAU) developed by Dr Lechner involves a transmission ultrasound procedure.
In doing so, imaging and contrast are gained from the differences of attenuation and/or the different durations of the ultrasonic waves while transmitting through the entire medium 1)
The speed of sound propagation in cancellous bones has a clear linear correlation with bone density 2)
Speed is a good indicator of bone density in order to detect damages caused by factors such as thinning of the trabecular networks. Quantitative ultrasonic measurement has become a clinical standard in the case of primary osteoporosis in bones with complete loss of the trabecular structure.
The evaluation is based on colour fields, which immediately make the softened osseous areas in the jaw plausible for the patients.
The image documents created in this manner contribute to an improved explanation and informed consent of the patient compared to the X-ray images that ordinary people find difficult to understand.
1) [ Laugier P: The basic physics of ultrasound. In: Njeh C, Hans D, Fuerst C,Gluer C, Genant HK, eds. Quantitative ultrasound: assessment of osteoporosis and bone status. United Kingdom: Martin Dunitz Ltd., 1999:48-59.].
2) [Serpe L, Rho JY: The nonlinear transition period of broadband ultrasound attenuation as bone density varies. JBiomech 1996; 29:963-966./ Nicholson PHF, Njeh CF: Ultrasonic studies of cancellous bone in vitro. In:Njeh C, Hans D, Fuerst C, Gluer C, Genant HK, eds. Quantitative ultra-sound: assessment of osteoporosis and bone status. United Kingdom Martin Dunitz Ltd.., 1999:204-206.].
