Application of quantitative ultrasound in evaluation bone strength in early infants

A total of 4 982 healthy infants were recruited from our child health clinic during July 2011 to June 2012.There were 2 769 males and 2 213 females with an age range of 31-59 days.Then an ultrasound bone sonometer Omnisense™ 7000P was employed to acquire their values of speed of sound (SOS) in bones for Asian.The values of SOS for 1-month-old infants were (2 919.77±129.16)m/s (males) and (2 929.67±124.19) m/s (females) respectively.SOS in summer and autumn was significantly higher than that in spring and winter (P 0.05). The values of SOS has remarkable difference in different seasons and latitudes and increase with age.Therefore it is necessary to establish its reference criterion for local children. Key words: Quantitative ultrasound; Bone development