Ultrasonic Bone Densitometry
Ultrasonic bone densitometry or ultrasonometry
measurement systems are inexpensive,
simple, and quick but not as accurate as
DXA. Although the bones of the fingers, toes,
or the leg could be used, ultrasonometers
usually measure the density of the patient’s
heel. They are similar to traditional diagnostic
ultrasound units, but these specialized
systems employ a pair of transducers operating
between 200 and 600 kHz, with each one
placed on opposite sides of the patient’s heel,
measurements of bone density are made
using several principles of ultrasonography.