Achilles
Express
Ultrasonometer

The
Achilles Express ultrasonometer is a compact,
cost-effective solution for evaluating risk
of osteoporotic fracture. Its low precision
error makes it suitable to monitor bone
changes, such as those associated with disease
progression or response to therapy.
Fracture
Risk Assessment
The Achilles Express measures the ultrasound
properties of the heel which, unlike the
forearm or hand, is load-bearing and highly
trabecular. Achilles Express indicates risk
of osteoporotic fracture comparably to femur
and spine dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
(DEXA). The Achilles Express is proven to
indicate fracture risk in the key group
of women 45-75 years as well as older women.
Easy
to Use and Interpret
The one-minute ultrasound test is simple
to perform: a touch of the built-in LCD
screen is all it takes. Achilles Express
automatically calculates the patient’s STIFFNESS
Index which is compared to young adult and
age-matched references to provide both a
T-score and Z-score. These, together with
other risk factors, assist physicians in
the diagnosis of osteoporosis.
Precision
for Monitoring
The
Achilles Express is sensitive to bone changes
but not artifacts. Ultrasound units can
be susceptible to variations in skin coupling,
temperature, edema, transducer position,
and heel width. Achilles Express uses stationary
transducers and sophisticated convergence
algorithms to minimize measurement errors.
The Achilles Express STIFFNESS Index has
a precision of 2% in osteoporotic patients.
Physicians can detect small changes due
to bone loss or response to therapy.
T-Scores
Achilles Express provides T-scores comparable
to spine or femur BMD. The World Health
Organization (WHO) defines fracture risk
based on the "T-score" for bone mineral
density (BMD) measured by DEXA. The T-score
is the difference between the patient value
and the average value in healthy young adults
divided by standard deviation.
Portability
The Achilles Express offers excellent portability.
This lightweight (22 pounds), rugged ultrasonometer
is easily transported or carried between
offices using its built-in handle.
The
Achilles Express is perfect for the busy
physicians’ office. It includes an internal
microcomputer with memory for 100 patient
results, and a built-in printer. The compact
design occupies less than 2 square feet
of office space allowing it to be stored
under a desk or in a closet when idle.
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