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Ultrasound bone measurement in pediatric subjects

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Abstract

Ultrasound bone measurement in healthy (n=71) and osteopenic (n=18) children aged 6 through 13 years of both sexes has been evaluated using the Achilles densitometer (Lunar Corporation). Measurements on the os calcis included speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attentiation (BUA), and a calculated “stiffness” index. The Achilles was adapted for children by a special positioning procedure that included the use of foot shims, and beam collimation on the receiving transducer. The precision of ultrasound results was comparable to that in adults (0.2% for SOS, 1.5% for BUA, and 1.8% for stiffness). SOS, BUA, and stiffness values increased with age in both sexes. Ultrasound measurements were correlated with bone mineral density (BMD in g/cm2) of the heel, AP spine (L2–L4), and total body by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) densitometry (Lunar DPX-L). SOS, BUA, and stiffness measurements were significantly lower in osteopenic children (Z∼-1.9 to-2.5) (P<0.0001) than in normal age-matched controls. Total body BMD showed a higher Z-score than stiffness (-3.3 versus -2.5), but stiffness showed a greater percentage decrease (-30% versus -18%). In conclusion, ultrasound measurements of bone in children provide both good precision and discrimination of normals from osteopenic patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry and Experimental Medicine, Child's Health Center, Aleja Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-736, Warsaw, Poland

    M. Jaworski, M. Lebiedowski & R. S. Lorenc

  2. Lunar Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    J. Trempe

Authors
  1. M. Jaworski
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  2. M. Lebiedowski
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  3. R. S. Lorenc
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  4. J. Trempe
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Jaworski, M., Lebiedowski, M., Lorenc, R.S. et al. Ultrasound bone measurement in pediatric subjects. Calcif Tissue Int 56, 368–371 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00301604

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00301604

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