Male and female normative data for ultrasound measurement of the calcaneus within the UK adult population.

Abstract

The establishment of accurate normative data for specific populations is required before ultrasound bone densitometry may be considered for routine clinical application. A single general practice was utilized, representing both rural and urban populations, to recruit 169 male and 210 female subjects in the age range 20-80 years. Measurements of broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and velocity (VOS) of the left calcaneus were undertaken using the McCue CUBAClinical II system. Two descriptive statistical models were used, mean and 95th percentile, and regression analysis. The female data for both BUA and VOS illustrated peak values in the 30-39 years age group, falling steadily thereafter. For male BUA and VOS data there was less evidence of an age related dependence. Upon analysis of previous normative studies and current data it is evident that there is considerable variability. In addition to different commercial systems being utilized, there is a lack of consistency in study design and method of subject recruitment. The need for accurate calibration and cross-calibration methods for commercial ultrasound bone densitometers is therefore of paramount importance to enable clinical interpretation of ultrasound measurements to be performed.

Relationship between calcaneal quantitative ultrasound and hip dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in young healthy men

“…Mean DXA measurements (shown in Table 2) are comparable with previous published data using the Hologic QDR-1000 machine [39,40]. QUS measurements are comparable to previous published data using the same equipment in the UK [41] (Table 3).…”

Reference Database for Bone Speed of Sound Measurement by a Novel Quantitative Multi-site Ultrasound Device

“…At all measurement sites SOS initially increases and peaks between the third and fourth decade of life. This is in accordance with previous studies indicating that QUS properties reach peakvalues at an older age [13] than the DXA-determined BMD [14]. This discrepancy argues that QUS-measured bone properties are different from those evaluated by DXA, and mature at later stages of life.…”

Quantitative Ultrasound of the Calcaneus and Falls Risk in the Institutionalized Elderly: Sex Differences and Relationship to Vitamin D Status

“…Studies in elderly women have identified age, body composition and physical activity as determinants of QUS parameters [15,16], but there have been few studies of QUS in men, or indeed elderly men. One study compared QUS in 169 normal men and 210 normal women aged 20-80 years [17]. BUA was higher in men than women at all ages but showed little decline in either sex after age 60 years.…”