Patellar ultrasound transmission velocity in healthy children and adolescents.

Apparent velocity of ultrasound (AVU) (Signet, Osteo-Technology Cambridge, MA) at the patella was measured on 568 children and adolescents, aged 8 to 18 years. Trend analysis revealed a significant trend (p < 0.004) toward increasing AVU with increasing age and increasing Tanner stage. Height and weight were positively correlated with AVU in both sexes, while dietary intake of calories, protein, and calcium were positively correlated with AVU in males, but not in females. Multiple linear regression revealed that 29% of the variance of AVU in females was described by Tanner stage (p < 0.002) and height (p < 0.007). The best regression model for males accounted for 48% of the variance in AVU and included age (p < 0.0001) and protein intake (p < 0.01). Bone quality has a distribution in children which is similar to the distribution of bone mass and density. Our patellar AVU values can be used as a baseline for much-needed prospective research with children and adolescents.