REMS Technology

REMS vs. DXA at a Glance

REMS Technology:

Radiation Exposure - NONE

Measurement Technique - ULTRASOUND

Bone Quality Assessment - Yes (Fragility Score)

Clinical Use - Emerging

Scan Duration - 40-80 seconds

What is REMS?

Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) is a non‑invasive ultrasound technique for evaluating bone health. By analyzing the raw radio‑frequency signals reflected from the lumbar spine and hip, REMS estimates bone‑mineral density (BMD) and reveals micro‑architectural information linked to fracture risk—all without any ionizing radiation.

How the Technology Works

  • Ultrasound‑based acquisition
    High‑frequency sound waves are sent through the target bone, and the returning echoes are captured in their unfiltered, raw form.

  • Advanced signal processing
    Proprietary algorithms screen out motion and soft‑tissue artifacts, then convert the cleaned signal into quantitative BMD values.

  • Fragility scoring
    Beyond density, REMS generates a “Fragility Score” that reflects bone quality, helping clinicians gauge fracture risk more comprehensively.

DXA:

Radiation Exposure - Low-dose X-ray

Measurement Technique - X-ray

Bone Quality Assessment - No

Clinical Use - Established Gold Standard

Scan Duration - 10-20 minutes

Clinical Advantages

  1. Safer monitoring
    Zero radiation enables frequent testing—for example, during treatment titration or in younger populations where X‑ray exposure is a concern.

  2. Improved fracture prediction
    Multiple studies show REMS closely tracks DXA BMD yet identifies high‑risk patients that DXA can miss, particularly when degenerative changes artificially elevate DXA readings.

  3. Workflow efficiency
    Short scan times and automated analysis support high‑throughput screening in both primary‑care and specialist settings.

Key Use Cases

  • Routine osteoporosis screening in post‑menopausal women and older men.

  • Therapy monitoring to verify early response to anti‑osteoporotic medications.

  • Pre‑operative assessment where bone integrity influences surgical planning.

  • Secondary osteoporosis evaluation in conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or long‑term steroid use.

Takeaway

REMS delivers a fuller picture of bone health—density and quality—without exposing patients to radiation. As evidence mounts and clinical adoption widens, this fast, safe, and insightful technology is poised to redefine osteoporosis diagnosis and fracture‑risk management.