[Calcium pros and cons. Is QUS available for clinical use? Quantitative ultrasound has not been established as a method for diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring the effectiveness of therapy].

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a convenient method for bone mass measurement and provides an index of bone strength reflecting bone structure as well as bone density. It applies to the peripheral skeleton such as calcaneus and is not applicable to vertebra and hip. The sensitivity for interval change is not so high. Thus, QUS is preferred for assessing fracture risk, and has not been established as a method for diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring the effectiveness of therapy.