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. Ultrasonometers 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, like the Achilles+™, 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 superior 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.

Achilles Express provides fast, comfortable examinations of the os calcis for excellent assessment of osteoporotic fracture risk and the long-term monitoring of treatment.

Indications for Use: The Achilles Express ultrasonometer measures ultrasound variables of the os calcis to provide a clinical measure called the STIFFNESS INDEX. The STIFFNESS INDEX indicates risk of osteoporotic fracture in postmenopausal women comparable to bone mineral density (BMD) as measured by x-ray absorptiometry at the spine or hip. STIFFNESS INDEX results expressed as T-scores are used to assist physicians in the diagnosis of osteoporosis in the same way as are T-scores obtained by x-ray absorptiometry. Either the STIFFNESS INDEX T-score or x-ray absorptiometry T-score can be utilized by a physician, in conjunction with other clinical risk factors, to provide a comprehensive skeletal assessment. The STIFFNESS INDEX has a precision error in older women comparable to that of x-ray absorptiometry which makes it suitable for monitoring bone changes.