REMS vs. DEXA
REMS vs. DEXA
REMS (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry) and DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) both assess bone health, but differ in technology and capabilities. At OsteoSmart, we use the Echolight® REMS Bone Density Scan — it’s more accurate and precise than the DEXA scan, provides a fragility score (unlike DEXA) and is radiation-free (unlike DEXA).
No Radiation Exposure
REMS is radiation-free. It uses harmless ultrasound signals making it a safer alternative for regular bone health monitoring.
DEXA scans rely on X-rays exposing patients to radiation.
Higher Accuracy
REMS is more accurate and more precise due to being less affected by positioning, posture, and spinal changes that can impact bone density results. Studies show that 90% of DEXA scans have technical and positioning errors.
Other artifacts like calcification/arthritis can also create inaccuracies in DEXA scan results while REMS is able to scan through artifacts.
More Than Bone Density
REMS goes beyond simply measuring BMD (bone mineral density). It also evaluates bone strength and microarchitecture, providing a more comprehensive view of overall bone health.
In contrast, DEXA measures only BMD.
Personalized Fragility Score
Unique to REMS, this personalized score assesses an individual’s risk of fractures by analyzing unique bone characteristics — going beyond what a standard DEXA scan can measure.
Real-Time Imaging
REMS is a non-invasive, real-time solution that delivers immediate results, enabling early detection of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.
DEXA scans are generally not immediate. A specialist reads and interprets the images, sending a formal report to your doctor, which usually takes a few days to a week.
While DEXA scans have long been the standard for measuring bone density, they come with limitations — radiation exposure, a narrow focus on density alone, and frequent technical inconsistencies.
At OsteoSmart, we use the Echolight® REMS bone density scan, a safer, more advanced alternative that provides a detailed, radiation-free assessment of both bone quality and strength.