Ultrasound bone densitometry of the calcaneus in healthy Chinese children and adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluate reference data to examine whether there are sex-, age-, height-, weight- and BMI-related differences of quantitative ultrasound parameters (QUS) for healthy Chinese children and adolescents. METHODS: A total of 726 healthy children and adolescents (360 male and 366 female) aged from 10-21 years were examined with a Lunar Achilles Express densitometer. The measurements on the right heel included speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and a calculated stiffness index (SI). RESULTS: Our results found that there were no significant differences for BUA, SOS and SI between males and females, except in the age range of 12 to 13 years. The values of all parameters were significantly higher in the 12-year-old females compared to males, and BUA values were significantly higher in 13-year-old females compared to males. A spurt in QUS parameters were observed at 12 years in females and at 14 years in males. A steady increase of BUA, SOS, and SI was seen with increasing body height and weight in both sexes. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present results can be used as reference data for children and adolescents in China.

Characteristics of calcaneus quantitative ultrasound normative data in Chinese mainland men and women.

INTRODUCTION: Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) assessment at the calcaneus, as a safe and reliable method for evaluating skeletal status, is rapidly gaining in popularity. Assessment by QUS provides three parameters of skeletal status: broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS) and derived data-stiffness index (STI). The objective of the present study was firstly to determine the normative QUS data on healthy Chinese mainland men and women and secondly to investigate the effects of sex, age and body size on these three QUS parameters. METHODS: A study cohort consisting of 725 healthy Chinese women and 568 men aged 10-83 years participated in this investigation. The three QUS parameters all exhibited a characteristic mild rise-then-fall pattern with increasing age in both sexes. Younger men and women had similar QUS values, while older women had lower values than older men. Age-related differences were more pronounced among females. Pearson's correlation and regression analysis showed that weight was a major determinant of QUS in both sexes, along with age. RESULTS: There were some discrepancies between our data and results from other populations, even when the same type of QUS instrument was used, probably as a result of various factors, including ethnic, life-style environment and diet, among others. CONCLUSIONS: These normative data will be useful for comparing the results of individual studies, predicting fracture risk of Chinese men and women and determining diagnostic criteria of osteoporosis by QUS.