Decreased broadband ultrasound attenuation of the calcaneus in women with fragility fracture. 85 Colles' and hip fracture cases versus 77 normal women.

The broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) of the right calcaneus was measured in 49 women with Colles' fracture, in 36 women with hip fracture, and in 77 normal women. All were postmenopausal, and the fractures were all of fragility type. BUA correlated with age only in the normals. BUA distinguished between the fracture cases with sensitivities of 97 percent and 70 percent and specificities of 72 percent and 92 percent at 61 dB/MHz and 51 dB/MHz, respectively. The women with hip fracture had lower BUA than those with Colles' fracture. For screening purposes, BUA below 51 dB/MHz may arouse suspicion of a fracture risk, notably if other factors such as a tendency to fall, dietary and other habits, inactive lifestyles and early menopause are present.