Authors' recommendations: In summary, quantitative ultrasound devices suffer from a lack of standardisation, there is a lack of consensus regarding which of the diagnostic parameters should be used, and there is variation with regard to the skeletal site used in diagnosis. Results from this assessment indicate that quantitative ultrasound (QUS) may be a reasonable test for identifying osteoporosis. In addition, it may be a valid alternative to dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess fracture risk at non-spinal sites, especially in older women. There is, however, conflicting evidence regarding the role of QUS to guide therapy for osteoporotic patients.It must be reiterated that all of studies included in this assessment used DXA as the reference standard for an osteoporotic diagnosis. However, DXA itself is an imperfect reference standard and has low sensitivity for predicting fracture risk. It is entirely possible that a false positive QUS test, according to DXA, could still in fact predict fracture risk.The Australia and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society and Osteoporosis Australia do not recommend the use of heel ultrasound as a routine screening tool to measure bone strength or to predict an individual's risk of fracture.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2008

URL for published report: Not Available

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: School of Public Health, Mail Drop 545, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA, Tel: +61 8 8313 4617

Contact Name: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Contact Email: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Copyright: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA)