Regional differences in the ultrasonographic values. Data of GIUMO (Group of Investigation on Ultrasound and Bone Metabolism) study

Abstract

Every new technique used for estimating bone mineral density needs reference values, both normality and precision as well as accuracy. The World Health Organization strongly recommends the performance of these local studies. We have previously assessed the normal values for the parameters estimated by the Sahara heel ultrasonometer in the Spanish population, by the Group of Investigation for Ultrasound and Bone Mineral Metabolism (GIUMO). These parameters were: Speed of Sound, (SOS), Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation (BUA), Stiffness Index (QUI), and estimated bone mineral density (BMD). The GIUMO was a multicenter cooperative study and we observed some differences in the parameters studied, both in ultrasonographic parameters and calculating the in vivo and in vitro precision and accuracy, which we are presenting in this paper.