Discrimination of Vertebral fractures by QUS Measurements Performed At Multiple skeletal sites

Vertebral fracture is usually the earliest clinical manifestation of severe osteoporosis. Early detection of vertebral fracture risk is therefore crucial for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

In this study we examined the ability of SOS measured at the distal third radius (Rad.), third proximal phalanx (PPIII) and mid-tibia (Tibia) to discriminate subjects with vertebral fractures from age matched controls and healthy young adult women. These measurements were performed by the Sunlight Omnisense^TM which enables bone evaluation at multiple skeletal sites using the Shortest Propagation Time principle of operation.

SOS measurements were performed on women with vertebral fractures (72±4 years old) and age matched control group of apparently healthy women (70±7 years old). T-Scores were calculated using data obtained by measuring about 150 healthy young adult women (40±3 years old).

The SOS at the Radius and Phalanx showed a significant discrimination between patients with vertebral fractures versus age matched control and healthy young women. At the tibial site no significant discrimination was detected.

Even though the data obtained was on a small sample size, statistically significant high OR values were observed. This presents a promising potential for the use of multi-site ultrasonic measurements as a diagnostic tool for the determination of vertebral fracture risk.

N

Fractured

N

Controls

Z Score

T Score

P
(t test)

P
(log.reg.)

ROC

OR (95% CI)

21

3855±155

79

3985±155

-0.85

-3.25

0.0006

0.0018

0.76

2.7
(1.5, 5.1)

14

3610±160

62

3765±180

-0.85

-2.35

0.0038

0.007

0.74

2.9
(1.4, 6.2)

24

3755±205

83

3760±160

-0.85

-1.30

0.88

0.88

N.S.

N.S.