Technology
The Future of Bone Health Assessment
What is REMS?
Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry (REMS) is a portable, radiation-free technology used to assess osteoporosis in central regions like the lumbar spine and femoral neck. It offers several advantages over traditional methods like DXA and other bone scanning techniques.
How does it work?
REMS is a quick, non-invasive ultrasound scan used to assess bone health and predict fracture risk by focusing on key areas such as the lumbar spine and femoral neck. The device uses a transducer to send ultrasound waves to the target area, and the waves that bounce back are captured and used to create images of the bones.
The system then analyses the signals to identify bone interfaces and specific regions of interest (ROIs) to evaluate the internal structure of the bone. This allows for the assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality in areas like the vertebrae, femoral neck, femoral head, and greater trochanter.
Understanding
Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
Bone Mineral Density (BMD) refers to the amount of mineral content, primarily calcium and phosphorus, present in a specific volume of bone. It is used to measure the strength and density of bones, helping to assess the risk of fractures and conditions like osteoporosis. Higher BMD indicates stronger bones, while lower BMD suggests weaker bones that are more susceptible to fractures.
What does REMS measure?
REMS is a technology combined with radio frequency and ultrasound that delivers a multi-dimensional analysis of bone properties. By integrating BMD with a Fragility Score, this gives an expanded view of bone structure, composition, and overall bone health.
The REMS device calculates key scores, including T-scores, Z-scores, and the Fragility Score to evaluate bone density and predict fracture risk.
T-score
This score compares a person's bone density to the average peak bone density of a healthy young adult of the same sex. A lower T-score indicates lower bone density and an increased risk of fractures. Generally, a T-score of -1.0 or above is considered normal, between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates osteopenia (low bone mass), and -2.5 or below indicates osteoporosis.
Z-score
This score compares the person's bone density to others of the same age, sex, and body size. It helps determine whether bone density loss is due to ageing or other factors. A Z-score lower than -2.0 suggests that bone loss may be abnormal for a person's age group.
Fragility score
This is a measurement used by REMS to assess bone fragility based on the microarchitecture of the bone, independent of BMD. It provides insight into the structural quality of the bone tissue. It evaluates the strength and resilience of the bone, helping to predict the risk of fractures, particularly in cases where BMD might not fully reflect the bone's overall fragility.
REMS vs. DEXA
A Comprehensive Comparison
Technology
DEXA
Uses X-ray beams to measure bone mass density, providing information about bone density and fracture risk.
REMS
Uses ultrasound waves to evaluate bone density, microarchitecture, and biomechanical properties, offering a more detailed view of bone health.
Bone Health Evaluation
DEXA
Primarily measures Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and fracture risk, but does not assess bone quality or structure.
REMS
Offers a comprehensive evaluation by assessing bone density, structure, and strength, providing insights into bone quality, which helps predict fracture risk.
Accuracy
DEXA
Estimated precision error of 1.47% for the femoral neck and 1.26% for the lumbar spine.
REMS
More precise with a smaller error margin. 0.32% for the femoral neck and 0.38% for the lumbar spine.
Radiation Exposure
DEXA
Involves minimal exposure to ionising radiation, but repeated exposure could pose risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.
REMS
Completely radiation-free, making it safe for use during pregnancy and suitable for more frequent scans.
Scan Location and Convenience
DEXA
Often performed in specialised clinics or hospitals with limited availability in certain areas.
REMS
Can be done in any place, offering more flexibility and convenience.
REMS offers a more detailed, radiation-free scan, while DEXA remains a traditional method for assessing bone density. Choose the best option for your bone health.
What Influences Bone Density?
Bone density naturally decreases with age, increasing fracture risk. Women over 65 are especially vulnerable due to hormonal changes after menopause. Men also lose bone density, typically after age 70, though at a slower rate. Understanding these patterns helps in early prevention.
Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and inactivity weaken bones by affecting calcium absorption and bone-building cells. A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, good nutrition, and avoiding harmful habits can help maintain strong bones.
Conditions like hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple myeloma can lead to bone loss by disrupting regular bone cell activity. Managing these conditions and monitoring bone health are key to preventing further damage.
Within minutes, patients receive a detailed report assessing bone strength, density, and fracture risk, allowing for immediate clinical discussions.
REMS technology eliminates positioning errors and artifacts caused by conditions like arthritis, spinal abnormalities, and implants, ensuring a more reliable and precise diagnosis.
Fragility Score
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of REMS technology is the Fragility Score, which provides a detailed risk assessment of potential fractures.
How It Works:
- The Fragility Score analyzes bone structure and mineral composition to predict the likelihood of fractures.
- Unlike DXA, which only provides a T-score for density, the Fragility Score evaluates bone microarchitecture, offering a more comprehensive and predictive assessment.
Fragility Score Ranges:
- 0-20: Low fragility, minimal fracture risk.
- 21-40: Moderate fragility, some risk—monitoring recommended.
- 41-60: High fragility, significant risk—preventive treatment needed.
- 61-100: Very high fragility, urgent intervention required to avoid fractures.
Why the Fragility Score Matters
- More Accurate Than DXA – Incorporates bone quality, not just density.
- Predicts Fracture Risk – Helps physicians intervene early before fractures occur.
- Personalized Bone Health Management – Tailors treatment plans based on actual fracture risk.
Clinically Proven Accuracy
Scientific Research and Clinical Studies
REMS technology is backed by extensive global research, proving its effectiveness in bone health assessment.
Studies confirm REMS matches or exceeds DXA accuracy while offering better artifact detection.
REMS demonstrates greater consistency in repeated measurements, making it ideal for tracking bone changes over time.
REMS technology is FDA-approved and recognized by leading medical institutions for its safety, accuracy, and clinical reliability.
Why do people love superior bone scanning
EXCELLENT
Based on 22 reviews
2025-01-12
As a fitness trainer, I always focus on bone strength. This scan gave me deeper insights than a DXA scan ever did. Knowing my bone quality helps me take better care of my health!
a month ago
I've been coming to OsteoStrong Palos Verdes since it first opened. I was having a lot of knee issues from a car accident I was in 38 years ago. I could not bend down without a lot of pain. Well now I can bend down and sit in a squat position without being in excruciating pain! That is a big win for me and at 65 my overall bone health is good and I have no osteoporosis or osteopenia! My balance is really good after practicing on the vibe plate. The other modalities they have are really why I love going once a week. I use the every visit pemf mat and I feel so relaxed after that then I go to the red light room, the waterbed massager OMG! That's sooo relaxing and feels so good and my last stop is the bio charger. I've looked up the benefits if the last 3 machines and I can't say for sure they have done anything specifically but I can say I feel great after my Tuesday OsteoStrong appointments and my overall wellbeing is definitely better as my knees can attest to.
a week ago
I have been doing Osteostrong for 3 years at the Palos Verdes site and my numbers have improved. My primary care physician told me to keep at it! The people who work there are the best and the facilities are wonderful.