A comparison of healthy, young adult male versus female broadband ultrasound attenuation of the calcaneus via quantitative ultrasound analysis

Abstract

Background: Quantitative ultrasonometry (QUS) is a relatively new method used to determine bone mass. Few existing QUS devices contain male normative databases. Consequently, male measures must be compared with female data to predict fracture risk. As the sex differences in bone mass and size are well known, this approach is inappropriate. Furthermore, while peak bone mass is achieved by young adulthood, normative QUS data is typically available only for older individuals. Methods: A total of 147 male and female Caucasians aged 19 to 25 years were recruited. Broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) of both calcanei was measured (QUS-2, Quidel Corp, CA). Daily calcium consumption, weight-bearing exercise, smoking habits, alcohol intake, medications and menstrual history were recorded. Results: Male BUA was significantly greater than female (100.8 ±2.1 versus 90.1 ±1.5, respectively, p=0.001). No significant effect of age or side-dominance on BUA could be demonstrated for either sex. Weight-bearing exercise (p=0.022), height (p=0.035), weight, (p=0.018), and BMI (p=0.041) contributed to variance between male BUAs. Weight-bearing exercise (p=0.003), and weight (p=0.005) determined BUA variation between women. Short-term BUA measurement precision was 2.2% for men and 1.2% for women. Conclusions: We conclude that young adult men have considerably greater BUA than age-matched women, and that BUA does not increase substantially between 19 and 25 years. Our findings indicate a need for the inclusion of young adult and male databases in QUS devices if the technology is to be used equitably for the prevention, diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis in both sexes.