Efficacy of Bone Mass Density Measurement with Quantitative Ultrasound Compared with Standard Dual Dexa X-ray Absorptiometry

Bone fracture is a major morbidity influencing menopause women quality of life. More than one third of menopause women suffer from osteoporosis-associated fracture. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of quantitative ultrasound in diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia in comparison with dual dexa X-ray absorptiometry.

A total of 149 women were included and bone mass density was measured. First, bone density was measured with Lunar machine (DXA) then measured by quantitative ultrasound using Sonoace2000. Finally data were analyzed using SPSS (version 11.0) soft ware.

Mean age was 53.7±11.5 (24-86) years, weight was 68.0±11.7 kg and body mass index was 28.7±4.1kg/m2. The frequency of osteopenia and osteoporosis at lumbar spine was 31.5% and 12.1%, respectively, according to DXA assay. However, osteopenia and osteoporosis was found in 49% and 14.1% by left heel QUS, respectively. The osteopenia rate was higher in QUS than DXA. Left heel QUS sensitivity versus total hip DXA in different groups of <50, 50-65 and >65 years old was 66.6%, 70.5% and 100%, respectively. QUS sensitivity compared with lumbar DXA was 71.6%, 78.3% and 94.4% in different groups, respectively. The sensitivity of QUS increases with age.

QUS has a reliable sensitivity in diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis in menopausal women especially in subjects aged >65 years old. This method is recommended for screening of high risk patients.