Quantitative ultrasound assessment in children with fractures.
BMD of children with fractures was compared with healthy controls using QUS. We found significantly lower SOS values in children suffering from fractures. None of the studied environmental factors could explain the difference in BMD measurements.


BACKGROUND
The aims of this study were to compare the results of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in children with fractures with the respective values in children without fractures and to identify possible environmental factors influencing speed of sound (SOS) in our study cohort.


METHODS
BMD was measured by QUS in 50 children who had sustained an acute fracture and in 154 healthy children as controls. SOS values were obtained from the proximal phalanges of the last four fingers of the dominant hand. Nutritional habits and activity level of the children were documented by a standardized questionnaire.


RESULTS
Children with fractures had a significantly lower SOS compared with children without a history of fractures. This difference in SOS could not be explained by differences in diet, body mass index, or physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Previous studies have suggested that low BMD levels might contribute to an increased prevalence of fractures in patients with systemic diseases. Our study showed that, in an otherwise healthy pediatric population, the SOS values are lower in children with fractures compared with healthy controls. Despite statistical significance, the biological impact of the results remains unclear. The difference in SOS values could not be explained by any of the studied environmental factors.
Schalamon
Johannes
J
Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Graz Medical School, Graz, Austria. johannes.schalamon@meduni-graz.at
Singer
Georg
G
Schwantzer
Gerold
G
Nietosvaara
Yrjänä
Y
D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015519:Bone Density; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000737:chemistry; D001133:Bones of Upper Extremity / Q000293:injuries; D002648:Child; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007867:Leg Bones / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D012737:Sex Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography