Measurement of the velocity of ultrasound in human cortical bone in vivo. Estimation of its potential value in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.

Using a method combining the velocity of ultrasound and photon absorptiometry in the human radius in vivo, the authors measured the speed of sound in bone (U) and bone mineral content (BMC). From these measurements and a "simple" bone model, they then computed the bone mineral density, compact bone density, and modulus of elasticity. The accuracy of these parameters and of the bone model is assessed, and normal values for each parameter are given and compared with published values. The authors feel that a combination of U and BMC permits better discrimination between normal and abnormal in patients with osteoporosis or metabolic bone disease than either parameter alone.