Bilateral variation in calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation: Part 1

A total of 1412 women of various ethnic origins ages 20-80 yr were tested f or bilateral calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) with the McCu e Cubaclinical ultrasound bone densicometer. A significant difference was f ound between nondominant and dominant measures (p < 0.0001). The magnitude of calcaneal BUA was not related to dominance. The difference was of a sign ificant degree to have resulted in differing predictions of fracture risk d epending on the side used in assessment. Forty-eight subjects (3%) would ha ve been considered at risk of osteoporotic fracture based on the nondominan t measure, whereas only 21 subjects (1.5%) would have been considered to be at risk based on the dominant measure. In concurrence with other studies, we conclude that it is essential to carry out bilateral measurements of the os calcis to avoid misleading implications for prediction of fracture risk .