Role of DEXA and ultrasonometry in the evaluation of osteoporotic risk in postmenopausal women

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to compare the role of quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in the assessment of osteoporosis. Methods: From June 1999 to November 2001, 596 women who have not been diagnosed osteoporosis and without previous history of pathologic fractures were enrolled in this study. They had a mean age of 58.7 +/- 8.5 years, a mean height of 166 +/- 3.5 cm and a mean weight of 66 +/- 4.1 kg. According to the age, women were divided into three groups: group A included women between 45 and 55 years; group B women between 56 and 66 years and group C women between 67 and 77 years. Each patient underwent to both methods to determine the presence of osteoporosis. Results: QUS resulted in a greater number of women of group A at risk of osteoporosis, whereas DEXA indicated that more women of group C were at increased osteoporotic risk. QUS and DEXA gave concordant results only in women of group B. Conclusion: These results suggested that QUS screening for osteoporosis may be more suitable for 'younger' postmenopausal women. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.