The influence of parity on quantitative ultrasound evaluation of the calcaneus and hand phalanges in Polish postmenopausal women.

The aim of the retrospective study was to assess the influence of parity on the skeletal status in 760 postmenopausal women. Women with factors affecting their bone status, or those treated for osteoporosis, were not included. Quantitative ultrasound measurements were performed at the heel (Achilles, n = 465) or at hand phalanges (DBM Sonic 1200, n = 295). Regarding hand phalanges, Z score values were significantly lower in women with three, four, and five or six deliveries in comparison to nonparous women and in women with four deliveries versus women with one or two deliveries. Calcaneus ultrasound variables did not differ in regard to the number of deliveries. Stepwise multiple regression analysis has shown that the main factors, affecting the bone status, were postmenopause duration and body weight. We concluded the increasing number of deliveries negatively influences ultrasound measurements at hand phalanges, which suggests their role as a qualitative feature factor of cortical non-weight-bearing bone.