What does Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation (BUA) measure?

• A. The speed of sound through soft tissue
• B. Energy loss of sound waves passing through bone
• C. The frequency of sound waves in decibels
• D. The duration of sound waves in milliseconds

Answer: (B)

Broadband Ultrasound Attenuation (BUA) measures the energy loss of sound waves as they pass through bone. This measurement is critical in assessing the properties of bone mineral density and health. The technique relies on the principle that sound waves will attenuate, or lose energy, to varying degrees depending on the density and quality of the bone through which they travel. A higher attenuation indicates denser or healthier bone, while lower attenuation may suggest lower density or potential bone pathology.

In the context of bone densitometry, BUA provides valuable insight into bone strength and can be an effective screening tool for conditions like osteoporosis. It is important to understand that BUA is specifically designed to evaluate bone tissue, not soft tissue or other metrics, which distinguishes it from measurements like sound speed through soft tissue or other characteristics that do not directly relate to bone density assessment.