[Ultrasound densitometry of the heel bone in a random sample of the adult Czech population]

To assess the state of the skeleton of 870 subjects selected at random the authors used ultrasound densitometry of the talus. The assessment was made using a Cuba Clinical apparatus (McCue Ultrasonic Ltd.UK). The assessed parameters were BUA in db/MHz (broad band ultrasound attenuation) and VOS in m/s (velocity of sound). From the results it is apparent that the BUA values in men reach their peak at the age of 31-35 years. In women the BUA values are highest between 18 and 20 years, then follows a decline and again a rise between 41 and 45 years. The VOS values in men are highest between 18 and 20 years, followed by a drop and slight increase between 56 and 60 years. In women the VOS values reach their maximum between 18 and 20 years. The assessed values obtained in a random sample of the population from three regions are the basis for evaluation of bone densitometry obtained by means of questionnaire in the adult Czech population.