Which classification includes the heel as a skeletal site?

• A. Axial
• B. Truncal
• C. Peripheral
• D. Endochondral

Answer: (C)

The classification that includes the heel as a skeletal site is peripheral. This classification focuses on the extremities and includes sites such as the heel, wrist, and fingers, where bone density measurements are commonly performed using peripheral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) devices. These sites are particularly useful for assessing fracture risk and evaluating bone health, especially in populations at risk for osteoporosis, as they are more accessible and can be reliably measured outside of a central DXA facility.

Peripheral sites like the heel can provide valuable information about bone density and are often used in screening for osteoporosis, especially in patients who might not be able to undergo a central DXA scan. Therefore, understanding the classification that includes these sites is essential for practitioners in bone health assessment contexts.