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Echolight®

What is Echolight?

Echolight® is an FDA-approved, radiation-free bone density scan that is an alternative to the Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. Developed in Italy and used throughout Europe for over a decade, Echolight uses Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS Technology) to provide a more comprehensive and accurate assessment to evaluate bone health and bone density compared to the DEXA Scan.

While the DEXA scan remains the most commonly used tool for measuring bone mineral density (BMD), it does have notable limitations.

“A study from 2019 found that 90% of DEXA scans had technical errors. Interpretation errors were present in 80% of patients; 42% major. The most common major errors were reporting incorrect information on bone mineral density change (70%) and incorrect diagnosis (22%).”

Echolight combines radiofrequency technology with echographic (ultrasound) capabilities, creating a unique synergy that enables it to provide a multi-dimensional analysis of your bone properties. This integration of radiofrequency and echographic modalities allows Echolight to capture not only bone density measurements but also a wide range of additional information related to bone structure, composition, and health.

Unique to Echolight, the device provides a comprehensive assessment of bone architecture to predict fracture risk. The total assessment score is referred to as the “Fragility Score.” This is accomplished by combining consistent bone density scores with bone architecture analysis data.

Because Echolight does not use radiation, it is a great option to assess bone status in children, women of childbearing age, and/or those who are pregnant. Its use is also advantageous for individuals who require frequent monitoring of their bone health without the risk of cumulative radiation exposure such as cancer patients who may require regular monitoring of their bone density. Its precision is also valuable in diagnosing secondary osteoporosis conditions

How does Echolight work?

Echolight employs Raidofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) Technology, combining radio frequency with ultrasound capabilities to deliver a multi-dimensional analysis of bone properties. This approach allows for an expanded view of bone structure, composition, and overall bone health beyond standard BMD measurements.

This device integrates traditional bone density measurements with a Fragility Score to help predict the risk of fractures. During the assessment, an ultrasound probe is placed over the patient’s femoral neck and lumbar spine. The device then generates T-scores, Z-scores, and Fragility scores as part of the bone analysis.

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 a higher 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.

This score compares the person’s bone density to others of the same age, sex, and body size. It helps identify whether a bone density issue is due to aging or other factors. A Z-score lower than -2.0 may suggest that bone loss is abnormal for a person’s age group.

This score assesses a person’s risk of fractures based on their bone quality and density, factoring in other variables like age and previous fractures. A higher Fragility Score indicates a greater risk of breaking bones from minimal trauma or stress.

At OsteoSmart, we are proud to offer Echolight to our patients. This innovative technology provides a convenient, accurate, and radiation-free method for assessing bone density and quality. As the first clinic in the midwest to offer this cutting-edge technology with same-day doctor consultations, we invite you to contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how Echolight can support your overall bone health.

References

  • Al Refaie A, Baldassini L, Mondillo C, Giglio E, De Vita M, Tomai Pitinca MD, Gonnelli S, Caffarelli C. Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (R.E.M.S.): New Frontiers for Ultrasound Use in the Assessment of Bone Status-A Current Picture. Diagnostics (Basel). 2023 May 9;13(10):1666. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics13101666. PMID: 37238151; PMCID: PMC10217295.
  • Caffarelli C, Tomai Pitinca MD, Al Refaie A, De Vita M, Catapano S, Gonnelli S. Could radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry (REMS) overcome the overestimation in BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at the lumbar spine? BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022 May 19;23(1):469. doi: 10.1186/s12891-022-05430-6. PMID: 35590362; PMCID: PMC9118880.
  • Caffarelli C, Al Refaie A, Mondillo C, Versienti A, Baldassini L, De Vita M, Tomai Pitinca MD, Gonnelli S. Radiofrequency Echographic Multispectrometry (REMS): A New Option in the Assessment Bone Status in Adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. J Imaging. 2023 Oct 3;9(10):210. doi: 10.3390/jimaging9100210. PMID: 37888317; PMCID: PMC10607336.
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