The Bindex (R) ultrasound device: reliability of cortical bone thickness measures and their relationship to regional bone mineral density

摘要

The Bindex (R) quantitative ultrasound (QUS) device is currently available and this study analyzed (I) its relative and absolute intra-and inter-session reliability and (II) the relationship between the data provided by Bindex (R)-QUS and the bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at corresponding skeletal sites in young and healthy subjects (age: 25.0 +/- 3.6 years). Bindex (R)-QUS calculates a density index on the basis of the thickness of cortical bone measured at the distal radius and the distal plus proximal tibia. The data show a very good relative and absolute intra- (ICC = 0.977, CV = 1.5%) and inter-session reliability (ICC = 0.978, CV = 1.4%) for the density index. The highest positive correlations were found between cortical thickness and BMD for the distal radius and distal tibia (r >= 0.71, p < 0.001). The data indicate that the Bindex (R)-QUS parameters are repeatable within and between measurement sessions. Furthermore, the measurements reflect the BMD at specific skeletal sites. Bindex (R)-QUS might be a useful tool for the measurement of skeletal adaptations.