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Echolight® vs. DEXA Scan

Understandably, adults in their 40s and 50s are often more focused on heart health and cancer screenings, given the well-known risks associated with these conditions. However, bone health is equally important—and often overlooked. Unlike cardiovascular issues or cancers, the degradation of bone health is silent and invisible, progressing without obvious symptoms until a fracture or serious injury occurs. This is why it’s essential to begin monitoring bone health earlier, even before reaching the age commonly associated with osteoporosis.

Advanced tools, like Echolight’s REMS technology, now make it possible to assess not only bone density but also bone quality and strength, providing a comprehensive view of bone health that traditional DEXA scans may miss. Taking steps to understand bone health now can prevent painful fractures and maintain mobility and independence in later years. By proactively scheduling a bone scan, individuals can stay ahead of bone degradation and actively work towards stronger bones for a healthier future.

Two large studies first compared the diagnostic accuracy of bone mineral density using REMS versus DEXA scans and confirmed the diagnostic accuracy of REMS for osteoporosis. However, the risk of fracture does not depend solely on bone mineral density but also on several factors such as bone quality and strength, which are not evaluated with DEXA scans. Echolight does!

DEXA scans are the most commonly used method to assess bone mineral density today. DEXA scans rely on radiation. Echolight uses ultrasound signals thus eliminating the need for radiation exposure which makes it a safer alternative for regular bone health monitoring. This is especially valuable for individuals who require frequent assessments such as postmenopausal women and those with chronic conditions that affect the bones, such as type 2 diabetes.

Unlike DEXA scans that primarily measure bone mineral density, Echolight goes beyond by providing a more holistic assessment of bone health. It considers factors such as bone microarchitecture, composition, and strength, offering a more complete understanding of an individual’s bone quality.

The DEXA Scan has been found to be prone to errors, providing false positives, false negatives, and ambiguous results. A study from 2019 found that 90% of DEXA scans had technical errors. The most common major errors were reporting incorrect information on bone mineral density change (70%) and incorrect diagnosis (22%). Echolight scans can overcome common artifacts that affect bone mineral density values created with DEXA scans.

At OsteoSmart, we utilize the cutting-edge Echolight technology to provide a comprehensive, radiation-free assessment of bone health. This advanced tool offers nearly instant bone mineral density (BMD), T-score, and Z-score measurements, allowing for precise evaluation of bone strength and fracture risk. Unlike traditional bone density scans, Echolight is a non-invasive, real-time solution that delivers immediate results, enabling early detection of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions. With this state-of-the-art technology, our specialists can develop personalized treatment plans to help patients maintain optimal bone health and prevent fractures.

Echolight’s comprehensive analysis generates a personalized fragility score – which indicates an individual’s susceptibility to fractures and bone-related complications. This score considers an individual’s unique bone characteristics, providing a more accurate assessment of their risk profile. This is unique to Echolight and not possible with the DEXA Scan. This fragility score helps OsteoSmart tailor preventive measures and treatments based on the specific needs of the patient.

By offering a more detailed assessment of your bone health, Echolight can potentially detect low bone density and osteoporosis, at earlier stages, even before traditional methods might show significant changes. This can lead to proactive interventions to prevent fractures and other bone-related complications.

A 2020 study of women with type 2 diabetes found the REMS technology is more sensitive than DEXA when assessing bone status in women with type 2 diabetes which can enhance the diagnosis of diabetic osteoporosis and reduce fragility fractures.

DEXA vs. REMS was studied to assess bone status and risk of fracture in young women who were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. The study found that REMS is a suitable tool for monitoring bone status in young women with anorexia without unnecessary radiation exposure. This alone is revolutionary because it shows that ultrasound is safe for use in young women without worry of jeopardizing fertility and can also be safely used during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.

REMS technology has proven its worth in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and predicting fracture risk. In sum, there are several advantages such as:

  1. the ability to evaluate bone quality, not just density
  2. the ability to overcome some of the limitations of DEXA
  3. the ability to assess bone status with periodic follow-ups without radiation and
  4. the transportability and ease of use.

These studies indicate that REMS has numerous advantages in the field of bone diseases. Echolight is easily transportable, and measurements can be carried out at the bedside such as when a patient has had a recent hip fracture. It may become the preferable method to assess bone mineral density in children. Contact OsteoSmart today to learn more about REMS and how this state-of-the-art technology can be of benefit to you and your loved ones.

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