Utility of ultrasound to assess risk of fracture

Sulin Cheng, Frances Tylavsky, Laura Carbone

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

Traditional assessments of bone properties have utilized densitometry techniques such as Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Recently, quantitative ultrasound (QUS) has been introduced as an alternative method of assessing bone properties. Advantages of QUS over X-ray techniques include low costs, portability, and nonionizing radiation. Proponents of QUS have claimed that this technology can provide information not only about the density but also about the structure and mechanical properties of bone. There are two major questions that need to be answered for those who seek to diagnose bone disorders with ultrasound: (1) what does quantitative ultrasound actually measure, and, even more importantly, (2) what is its clinical utility? In this review we will briefly examine the first question and will focus on the utility of ultrasound in clinical trials to discriminate between fractures and non-fractures and to predict the risk of fractures.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1382-1394
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society
Volume45
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1997
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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