Can heel ultrasound diagnose osteoporosis?
No. Osteoporosis by definition is the relative bone mineral density present in an individuals hip/spine/wrist compared to that expected for a healthy young normal population. However, osteoporotic fracture risk is defined by three components: bone density, structure and force. Heel ultrasound measures bone density and structure and so is excellent as a screening device for identification of individuals at risk of fracture.
