M. Fauchet et al., BROAD-BAND ULTRASOUND ATTENUATION AT THE CALCANEUS MEASURED USING A NEW CONTACT ULTRASOUND UNIT, Revue du rhumatisme, 65(4), 1998, pp. 257-266
We evaluated a new contact ultrasound device, developed and manufactur
ed in France, for measuring broadband ultrasound attenuation at the ca
lcaneus. We first studied the influence on measurement results of a nu
mber of parameters including the nature of the coupling agent, heel po
sition, transducer temperature, and foot vasodilation. We then determi
ned the reproducibility of the measurements (2.14+/-1.07% in the mediu
m-term) and established reference values in women (n=612) and men (n=1
06). Broadband ultrasound attenuation decreased between 25 and 85 year
s of age by 34% in women and 17% in men. Sensitivity and specificity f
or detection of decreased bone mass at the calcaneus were 85.5% and 81
.5%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of the measurement at t
he calcaneus as compared to the lumbar spine were 90.7% and 89.1%, res
pectively. This unit intended for screening purposes is very easy to u
se, and the measurements it provides are immediately available. It can
be expected to help determine the optimal strategy for use of ultraso
und in the management of osteoporosis.