Calcaneus Bone Mineral Density Using Single X-ray Absorptiometry in Japanese Women

Calcaneus bone mineral density (BMD) of 738 Japanese women (605 healthy and 133 with osteoporosis) was measured using single X-ray absorptiometry (SXA). A reference range of calcaneus BMD values for healthy Japanese women was established and the usefulness of this method for screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis was evaluated. There was no significant age change of calcaneus BMD prior to menopause, though values decreased significantly thereafter. BMD loss ratio was 1.7%/year in the 10 years after menopause.