Quantitative Ultrasonography Measurements of the Phalanges in Adolescents: A Mixed Longitudinal Study

Sensing the future: A review on emerging technologies for assessing and monitoring bone health

Bone health is crucial at all stages of life. Several medical conditions and changes in lifestyle affect the growth, structure, and functions of bones. This may lead to the development of bone degenerative disorders, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc., which are major public health concerns worldwide. Accurate and reliable measurement and monitoring of bone health are important aspects for early diagnosis and interventions to prevent such disorders. Significant progress has recently been made in developing new sensing technologies that offer non-invasive, low-cost, and accurate measurements of bone health. In this review, we have described bone remodeling processes and common bone disorders. We have also compiled information on the bone turnover markers for their use as biomarkers in biosensing devices to monitor bone health. Second, this review details biosensing technology for bone health assessment, including the latest developments in various non-invasive techniques, including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and biosensors. Further, we have also discussed the potential of emerging technologies, such as biosensors based on nano- and micro-electromechanical systems and application of artificial intelligence in non-invasive techniques for improving bone health assessment. Finally, we have summarized the advantages and limitations of each technology and described clinical applications for detecting bone disorders and monitoring treatment outcomes. Overall, this review highlights the potential of emerging technologies for improving bone health assessment with the potential to revolutionize clinical practice and improve patient outcomes. The review highlights key challenges and future directions for biosensor research that pave the way for continued innovations to improve diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of bone-related diseases.

Change in Quantitative Ultrasound-assessed Speed of Sound as a Function of Age in Women and Men and Association With the Use of Antiresorptive Agents: The Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study

INTRODUCTION

Five-year changes in multisite quantitative ultrasound-assessed speed of sound (SOS in m/s) were studied in a cohort of women and men. The impacts of antiresorptive therapies and menopausal status on SOS were also assessed.

METHODOLOGY

Two SOS assessments, clinical assessments, and comprehensive questionnaires were completed 5 years apart on 509 women and 211 men. Age at first assessment was grouped into: <40 yr, 40-49 yr, 50-59 yr, 60-69 yr, 70-79 yr and 80+ yr. Mean rate of change in SOS at the distal radius and tibia were calculated for each age grouping by sex. SOS changes were stratified by antiresorptive use (yes, no) or menopausal status (premenopausal, postmenopausal, or bilateral oophorectomy).

RESULTS

Mean losses in SOS occurred over the 5 years in almost all age groupings. In women, mean losses in SOS for the <40 yr, 40-49 yr, 50-59 yr, 60-69 yr, 70-79 yr, and 80+ yr age groupings were -59, -83, -107, -92, -80 and -66 (p = 0.30; differences among age groupings) at the radius and -18, -16, -54, -1, -9 and 31 at the tibia (p < 0.05), respectively. In men, mean SOS losses were -101, -56, -69, -67, -83 and -127 at the radius (p = 0.61) and -46, -61, 0, -35, -29, and -26 at the tibia (p = 0.23). At the tibia, women prescribed antiresorptives had a mean increase in SOS (8.6 m/s) whereas untreated participants had a mean loss (-23.0; p < 0.001); there was no significant impact at the distal radius. There were no significant differences in change in SOS among menopausal groups (p > 0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Mean SOS generally declined over 5 years in all age groupings of both sexes. The consistent mean losses in SOS over the age spans investigated are coincident with increasing fracture risk. Women on antiresorptive therapy had increased mean SOS over the 5-year assessment period at the tibia, whereas untreated women had mean losses in SOS.