Bone Mass Measurement of Calcaneus by Quantitative Ultrasound Method (QUS)

Abstract

The quantitative ultrasound method (QUS) for measuring bone mass at a calcaneus is a suitable method for screening osteoporosis with safety and simplicity. In the present paper the bone mass of 328 subjects, in association with their physical parameters, was measured by the QUS and the results were analyzed. The value measured by the QUS was expressed as osteosono-assessment indexes (OSls). \ud 1. The bone mass of the general adult population reached the maximum in their twenties and then decreased gradually. Annual reduction rates of bone mass during the gradual reduction period were 0.52% for women and 0.43% for men of the maximum value, respectively. Rapid reduction of bone mass occurred in women in their sixties and men in their seventies of men. Annual reduction rates of bone mass during the rapid reduction period were 15% for women and 13.5% for men.\ud 2. The bone mass levels of female subjects were classified by the T score, which is the percentage of an average OSI (2.698 X 106) of female young adults. The low bone density level (T score less than 80) was 31.6% of the total female subjects, including 17.4% osteoporosis level (T score less than 70) subjects, indicating that they are afHicted by osteoporosis. The osteoporosis level subjects were mostly elderly women over the age of 69. There was no osteoporosis level subject at the age less than 50. The guidance required level (T score is 80 and more than 80 and less than 90) subjects included 16% of the women in their twenties. They may have fallen even to osteoporosis level by their 50's. Therefore, it was thought to be important to find youths with low bone mass and to counsel them to improve their daily life to prevent osteoporosis.\ud 3. In the female subjects aged 40 and older, positive correlations were observed in OSI, age, height, weight and BMI. Multiple regression analysis indicates that age was the most influential factor on OSI among these factors