Objectives: To compare calcaneal ultrasonometry and bone densitometry in the evaluation of morphometric vertebral fractures in men over 60 years of age.
Subjects and methods: We studied 96 men over 60 years of age by means of bone densitometry of the spine, femur and radius, lateral radiograph of the thoracic and lumbar spine, and calcaneal ultrasonometry.
Results: Fifty-one percent of men had osteoporosis and vertebral fractures. Correlation was found between ultrasonometry stiffness index, T-score and bone mineral density of the spine, femur and radius (p < 0.01). Regarding the presence of fractures, there was a correlation only with BMD of the ultradistal radius (UD) and radius 33%. ROC curve showed accuracy only of UD radius BMD in detecting vertebral fractures.
Conclusions: Our study showed a correlation between osteoporosis diagnosis by ultrasonometry and densitometry in men over 60 years. It also showed a correlation between morphometric vertebral fracture and bone mineral density of the forearm.