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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Association between low-frequency ultrasound and hip fractures - comparison with DXA-based BMD

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Background New methods for diagnosing osteoporosis and evaluating fracture risk are being developed. We aim to study the association between low-frequency (LF) axial transmission ultrasound and hip fracture risk in a population-based sample of older women. Methods The study population consisted of 490 community-dwelling women (78–82 years). Ultrasound velocity (VLF) at mid-tibia was measured in 2006 using a low-frequency scanning axial transmission device. Bone mineral density (BMD) at proximal femur measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used as the reference method. The fracture history of the participants was collected from December 1997 until the end of 2010. Lifestyle-related risk factors and mobility were assessed at 1997. Results During the total follow-up period (1997–2010), 130 women had one or more fractures, and 20 of them had a hip fracture. Low VLF (the lowest quartile) was associated with increased hip fracture risk when compared with VLF in the normal range (Odds ratio, OR = 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-8.4). However, VLF was not related to fracture risk when all bone sites were considered. Osteoporotic femoral neck BMD was associated with higher risk of a hip fracture (OR = 4.1, 95% CI 1.6-10.5) and higher risk of any fracture (OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.6-3.8) compared to the non-osteoporotic femoral neck BMD. Decreased VLF remained a significant risk factor for hip fracture when combined with lifestyle-related risk factors (OR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.2-9.0). Conclusion Low VLF was associated with hip fracture risk in older women even when combined with lifestyle-related risk factors. Further development of the method is needed to improve the measurement precision and to confirm the results.