15201 Shady Grove Rd. Suite #106
Rockville, MD 20850
Tel: 301-948-4395
Fax: 301-840-8972
Bill Rolle PT, DPT, CSCS
Linda Kuserk PT
Robert Woodside PT, DPT, CSCS
Matt Adams PT, MS
Adam Weaver, PT, DPT
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The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new device
that can assess the risk for osteoporosis in about 1 minute. The
device, which resembles a small box, uses high-frequency sound
waves to measure bone density in the foot. It's called a Sahara
Clinical Bone Sonometer.
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The
device measures bone strength and predicts fracture risk. It
resembles a box about the size of a computer printer. You put
your bare foot into the box, and the device uses ultrasound
— the same technology used by obstetricians to see a fetus
in the womb — to get a 'picture' of the density of your
heel bone.
The
device transmits sound waves through your heel for about 10
seconds. It's painless. Bone density is determined by how easily
and quickly the sound waves move through your foot. The more
dense your bone, the healthier it is, and the longer it takes
for sound waves to pass through.
But
this test is not quite the same as the fetal ultrasound; you
won't 'see' an image of your foot and its bones. Instead, the
device prints a 'numbers report' of your bone density. If your
measurement is below a certain value, you having thinning of
the bones consistent with osteoporosis.
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In
general, all the bones of the skeleton reflect osteoporosis
to some extent. The heel is very accessible, and it's easier
to scan than, say, the spine or the hip, areas typically associated
with osteoporosis. Also, the heel bone is similar to spine bone,
so the two normally have similar densities.
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Because
it may lead to earlier detection and treatment of osteoporosis.
And because it's a fast and inexpensive screening tool. Right
now, the gold standard of bone density screening (bone densitometry)
is what's called a dual energy absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA)
test. Basically, you have an X-ray taken of your hip or spine.
You typically have to travel to a large medical facility to
have the test done. The equipment used costs between $70,000
and $150,000, and patients are charged $100 or more for the
test.
There
are portable DEXA devices that measure bone density in the finger
or heel. Some large retail pharmacies provide such devices on
osteoporosis screening days; these portable devices cost less
so people are charged less — about $30 to $40 for the screening.
A technician operates the equipment, and those at risk are referred
to their physician for more definitive testing. The sonometer
is also portable and inexpensive, but it doesn't require a technician
to operate because it doesn't use radiation (X-rays); it uses
sound waves. It's hoped that the sonometer's lower cost and
ease of use will make it more available at smaller medical facilities
and retail outlets around the country, especially in rural areas.
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The
ultrasound device is accurate enough to be used as a screening
tool, but it's not as precise as a standard DEXA test in establishing
a diagnosis. It measures bone density and predicts fracture
risk, but it won't tell you, 'You have osteoporosis, and you
should do this.' Your doctor can use the results, along with
information about your family history, your diet and age, to
determine if you need further, definitive testing.
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