Assessment of low quantitative ultrasound values of calcaneus in Chinese mainland women

Quantitative ultrasound normative reference data for community-dwelling white and black females in the United States

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) race-specific normative reference data are not available for accurate calculation of Z-scores. The primary aims of this study were (1) to develop a race-specific QUS reference database for white and black females and to compare estimated fracture risk between these 2 racial groups and (2) to compare stiffness index (SI) values of white females in this study to manufacturer-obtained values. Subjects included 1111 females (31% black), aged 20-85 yr (52 ± 19 yr), with a mean SI score of 93.7 ± 20.1. White females, aged 20-39 yr (n=213), were used to calculate T-scores, whereas Z-scores were age and race specific. Black females had significantly higher SI scores than white females (p<0.001). White females aged 50+ yr in this study had significantly higher SI scores compared with manufacturer-derived values. Results highlight the need for population- and race-specific normative data when using QUS as a screening tool for identifying high fracture risk.

Reference data for quantitative ultrasound values of calcaneus in 2927 healthy Chinese men

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a bone densitometry technique that is rapidly gaining popularity for the assessment of bone status. However, few QUS data are available for men, especially in China. In the present study, a random stratified sample of 2927 Chinese men (10-90 years) was recruited, and bone status was established using measurements by Achilles ultrasonometer. The peak stiffness index (SI) value for Chinese men was 103.0 +/- 20.8, which presented in the age group of 20-24 years. Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was significant correlation between SI and age (P < 0.001), and multivariate regression analysis indicated that weight was also an important factor for SI. In addition, in comparison with the normal data of Italian and Japanese males, the SI value for Chinese males in each age group was lower than those of Italians but higher than Japanese, except for the 20-29 years age group. The descending velocity of curves for Chinese men was lower than that of Italian and Japanese men. In conclusion, QUS values of the calcaneus provided by the present study may be used as normal reference values for Chinese men.