Measurement of the velocity of ultrasound in human cortical bone in vivo. Estimation of its potential value in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.

Abstract

A method combining the velocity of ultrasound and photon absorptiometry in the human radius in vivo was used to measure the speed of sound in bone (U) and bone mineral content (BMC). From these measurements and a simple bone model, the bone mineral density, compact bone density and modulus of elasticity were computed. The accuracy of these parameters and of the bone model is assessed, and normal values for each parameter are given and compared with published values. A combination of U and BMC apparently permits better discrimination between normal and abnormal in patients with osteoporosis of metabolic bone disease than either parameter alone.