Abstract
We performed quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measurements in the os calcis in 3212 women, and evaluated the clinical usefulness of QUS parameters; in particular, their association with vertebral fracture. An experimental study was performed to determine QUS parameters in the os calcis of amputated lower extremities. Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS), and stiffness showed significant decreases in the groups aged 50–54 years and 55–59 years in healthy women. Diagnostic sensitivity, evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, of the QUS parameters to evaluate the prevalence of vertebral fracture was greater than the sensitivity of bone mineral density (BMD) measurement. The incidence of vertebral fracture and the rate of change in QUS parameters after 1 year showed a higher rate of decrease in BUA in women who developed new vertebral fractures. In the experimental study, the BUA differed between two specimens that differed in trabecular architecture and was markedly correlated with maximum load and stiffness. SOS did not differ between the two specimens. These findings indicated that QUS parameters could sensitively reflect trabecular bone fragility during the para-menopausal period. BUA may be useful for evaluating the risk of, vertebral fracture and may be affected by trabecular architecture.
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Yamamoto, A., Kishimoto, H. & Katagiri, H. Clinical and experimental studies of quantitative ultrasound measurement in the os calcis: Prevalence and incidence of vertebral fracture. J Orthop Sci 2, 64–74 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02489515
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02489515