R.E.M.S Bone Scan

A BONE DENSITY SCAN WITHOUT RADIATION is now offered in clinics at Exeter Massage Therapy. EMT is one of the first to bring EchoS technology to Southwestern Ontario. Using R.E.M.S. (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry) technology, the portable device measures not only bone density but also bone strength and assesses fracture risk. It measures the lumbar area1(spine) as well as the proximal femur2 (hip) area. Bones are growing, living tissue and are both strong and flexible.

Previously the only way to measure Bone Mineral Density (BMD) was by DXA3, using radiation. Unless predisposing medical conditions to osteoporosis or when there are unexplained fragility fractures4, Osteoporosis Canada does not recommend a DXA Bone Mineral Density test for young women and men under 50 years of age.

Peak bone mass usually happens between the ages of 18 and 25. When you “check your bones” early and more frequently, you can implement lifestyle and nutrition changes decades earlier to help prevent osteoporosis and fractures.

No-radiation bone density scans can also be very useful during and after pregnancy, during and after oncology treatments and for people with chronic kidney disease/nephropathy. This info allows specialists to prescribe appropriate therapy, vitamins and minerals to help prevent/minimize risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

An EchoS scan session takes about 15 minutes and is painless. You will lie down on your back. A gel facilitates the operation of a hand-held scanner with R.E.M.S. technology.

You will receive the results of the procedure, a very comprehensive document that includes your risks of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and fracture per 1000 subjects over 5 years. 

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Footnotes:

1 Lumber spine is the lower back region of your spinal column/backbone: L1, L2, L3, L4

2 Proximal femur is part of the hip joint; fracture here is generally referred to as a hip fracture

3 DXA (or DEXA) (Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) is a bone density scan uses a small dose of ionizing radiation

4 Fragility fractures are commonly defined as low-level/low-energy trauma, quantified by the World Health Organization as equivalent to a fall from standing height or less. Hip fractures in the elderly are common examples of a fragility fracture 

5 Source: Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation