Bilateral variation in calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation: part I

A total of 1412 women of various ethnic origins ages 20-80 yr were tested for bilateral calcaneal broad-band ultrasound attenuation (BUA) with the McCue Cubaclinical ultrasound bone densitometer. A significant difference was found between nondominant and dominant measures (p < 0.0001). The magnitude of calcaneal BUA was not related to dominance. The difference was of a significant degree to have resulted in differing predictions of fracture risk depending on the side used in assessment. Forty-eight subjects (3%) would have been considered at risk of osteoporotic fracture based on the nondominant measure, whereas only 21 subjects (1.5%) would have been considered to be at risk based on the dominant measure. In concurrence with other studies, we conclude that it is essential to carry out bilateral measurements of the os calcis to avoid misleading implications for prediction of fracture risk.