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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2002; 06(3): 229-232
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-36720
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Quantitative Ultrasound in Osteoporosis

Alison Stewart1 , David M. Reid2
  • 1Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
  • 2Professor of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 January 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) has been applied to the assessment of bone for almost two decades. The physical interaction of ultrasound and bone is complex and not completely understood. However, it is considered that QUS provides information on bone mass and structure. Although dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is currently considered the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, through the World Health Organisation definition, there is, in some parts of the world, limited availability to axial DXA. This has stimulated interest in smaller, more portable, and less expensive techniques to indentify those at risk of osteoporotic fracture. One such quantitative method is QUS, which has the added advantage over other photon absorptiometric bone density techniques of not using ionizing radiation. This article reviews the capabilities of QUS and indicates its appropriate application in clinical practice, based on current review of the scientific literature.

KEYWORD

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) - fracture prediction - monitoring bone change - osteoporosis

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