  In this paper the dielectric properties of human trabecular bone are
evaluated under physiological condition in the microwave range. Assuming a two
components medium, simulation and experimental data are presented and
discussed. A special experimental setup is developed in order to deal with
inhomogeneous samples. Simulation data are obtained using finite difference
time domain from a realistic sample. The bone mineral density of the samples
are also measured. The simulation and experimental results of the present study
suggest that there is a negative relation between bone volume fraction (BV/TV)
and permittivity (conductivity): the higher the BV/TV the lower the
permittivity (conductivity). This is in agreement with the recently published
in vivo data. Keywords: Bone dielectric properties, Microwave tomography,
Finite difference time domain.
