EN
In this study, we explore a new application of
thermoacoustic tomography (TAT) for imaging human finger
joints and bones. Three volunteers’ finger joints and
bones were visualized with satisfying image contrast and
spatial resolution by a TAT scanner. The recovered TAT images
revealed apparent microwave absorption differences
between the joint cavity and bone. Beyond the full single
finger imaging, a volunteer’s four fingers were clearly and
concurrently imaged. To confirm our observations, MRI
images of two volunteers’ fingers were performed, and the
TAT recovered shape/size of the fingers were consistent
with the MRI findings. To further assess the feasibility of
TAT for finger joint and bone imaging, we quantitatively
calculated the conductivity of a case. This initial study suggests
that TAT may be a good candidate for screening, diagnosing,
and monitoring treatment of joint and bone diseases.