REMS (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry) is an ultrasound technology used to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality or strength. Combining the BMD and fragility score, the fracture risk matrix provides a 5-year fracture risk level. This medical advancement is a fully diagnostic, radiation-free densitometer measuring the Lumber Vertebrae and proximal femur.

REMS gives information such as bone mineral density which is the same type of information from a DEXA scan. In addition to bone mineral density (BMD), the device used by Premier Skeletal Imaging gives information on bone quality as shown by a Fragility Score. There is a software package that can be added to a DEXA machine. This software package is called a trabecular bone score (TBS) which provides information on the quality of bone. The software is not standard on the DEXA. More technical information about REMS is available at Echolight’s website here.

A major advantage of the REMS technology is the evaluation of both BMD and Fragility (bone quality). The DEXA scan does not evaluate both unless there is a TBS software package. Even then, the DEXA TBS evaluates the lumbar spine only, not the femoral neck. European research studies have demonstrated a high correlation of REMS BMD to DEXA BMD. REMS offers significantly increased levels of accuracy, sensitivity to bone mass changes, and diagnostic reproducibility over DXA. Measure of bone quality is better than BMD in predicting fracture risk. The REMS Fragility Score, coupled with the absence of ionizing radiation, allows for osteoporosis diagnosis at an earlier stage and more accurate monitoring post diagnosis. Those who are closely following their bone health should compare DXA to DXA and REMS to REMS when monitoring their bone health over time.

Historically, bone mineral density (BMD) has been the main number looked at to determine if you were at risk of having a fragility fracture.  It is now recognized that BMD is not the only important number.  There are individuals with low BMD that never fracture as well as other individuals with good BMD numbers who sustain fragility fractures.  This has brought to light the fact that there are other properties of bone that need to be measured.  This important information of bone strength (Bone Quality & BMD) is what REMS provides.

If you have a total hip replacement, the hip with the implant cannot be scanned.  This would also be the same for DXA.  If there is hardware in the lumbar spine or if you had a kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, it is important to tell anyone who is imaging you both for DEXA and REMS. If you have a lumbar spine fracture, you will want to share this information with your examiner.

It is not uncomfortable.  If you have abdominal sensitivity, the lumbar spine portion of a REMS scan may be uncomfortable due to the pressure sometimes needed to get a good quality scan of the lumbar spine.

This technology is FDA Cleared and can be used on many patient groups who are not indicated for DEXA, like those who are younger, pregnant, or have scoliosis or osteoarthritis.

The appointment will last approximately 30 minutes which includes time to gather needed information such as name, birth date, race, gender, age at menopause, height, and weight. Once all information is entered the scan will begin.  REMS scans are performed in a face up position while lying on an examination table.  The scan begins with the spine which takes about two minutes.  Once the scan is completed data analysis is calculated and a few minutes later a report is generated.  Next, the proximal femur (hip) is scanned.  The hip scan takes about one minute.  The same process occurs for data analysis and report generation.  There will be a report immediately available for review before you leave.

Thank you for your interest in scheduling a REMS scan with Premier Skeletal Imaging.  You can schedule an appointment on this page.  Available dates and locations will appear on the calendar.  Select a date/location and available appointment time. 

Once you have selected an appointment time, you will be prompted to enter information and make a nonrefundable payment to receive your appointment.  Once payment has been received, you will receive confirmation of your appointment along with the address to the exact location for the appointment. 

Please arrive 10 minutes early for your appointment time.  The schedule can be tight and accommodation for late arrivals is not guaranteed. 

Empty your bladder or bowels before being called to the exam room. 

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.  Your abdomen will be exposed first to perform the exam for the lumbar spine.  For the hip you will be asked to bring your pants to mid-thigh to access the inguinal crease (groin).

Avoid eating a meal or drinking 2-3 hours prior to your exam.  Gas in the intestines will interfere with the lumbar spine exam.