Calcaneal bone density reduction in patients with restricted mobility.

This cross-sectional study revealed a prevalence of reduced calcaneal bone density in a population of 49 chronic continuing care patients with restricted mobility. Calcaneal bone density was measured using the Compton gamma ray scattering technique, which permits examination of trabecular bone. Predicted densities were determined from the ages and weights of the subjects. Descriptive factors such as gender, diagnosis, duration of the condition, and muscle tone were correlated with bone density. Twenty-eight patients (57%) had indications of reduced calcaneal bone density. None of the descriptive factors was associated with the variability in bone density ratio (forward stepwise regression analysis, p = NS). The reduced calcaneal density found in these patients with restricted mobility is probably a result of their not bearing weight and the inevitable severe reduction in their physical activity.