Assessment of Bone Architecture with Ultrasonometry: Experimental and Clinical Experience

Abstract

Over the last decade, ultrasound technology has been introduced as a method of analysing bone tissue in clinical practice, and several studies have compared various ultrasound devices with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Unlike DXA, the ultrasound technique is not limited to the measurement of bone density – it also has the potential to provide information on the mechanical and architectural characteristics of bone. The first generation of ultrasound devices used the speed of sound and attenuation of the ultrasound signal to obtain information on bone mineral content. Second generation ultrasound devices, which analyse the ultrasound signal received, permit the study of bone structure and elasticity, in addition to its mineral content, in both experimental studies and clinical practice. This is accomplished by signal processing analysis, the study of backscattering and the application of Biot’s theory. This approach to the study of bone tissue represents the future for the development of ultrasound technology for use in clinical practice.

Diabetes and Obesity as Independent Risk Factors for Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women: A Population Study

“…A study involving obese patients found a lower lumbar spine BMD than was expected for age and BMI (21). In several studies carried out by using QUS, soft tissues were proved to reduce the speed of sound (SOS) transmitted across bones (22); on the basis of these studies, some authors have proposed that the negative impact of BMI on QUS parameters can be ascribed to the interference of soft tissues (23). In their paper, Biino et al, found a negative correlation between AD-SoS and BMI, with AD-SoS showing the highest correlation coefficient with BMI among all among QUS parameters (23).…”

Quantitative ultrasound at the hand phalanges in adolescent boys in relation to their pubertal development and physical efficiency

“…and mass are correlated with body size, physical activity and muscle strength [1,2]. Delayed puberty, growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism and other diseases can result in lower bone mass and size.…”