Photon scattering measurements of calcaneal bone density: results of in vivo longitudinal studies.

Sequential measurements of the density of calcaneal trabecular bone were made in normal postmenopausal women and in patients treated for osteoporosis. Cross-sectional measurements of density were made in previously normal patients who had been without ovarian function for a known length of time of at least one year. There was a significant reduction in calcaneal density associated with aging in normal postmenopausal women. Estrogen lack was also associated with density reductions and the reduction was related to the length of time of estrogen deprivation. When osteoporotic patients were treated with combination therapy, density rose in females while in males the expected age dependent reduction was prevented. It is concluded that photon scattering measurements of calcaneal density can be used to monitor changes in the mineral status of the skeleton.