Maintaining Bone health is very important to ensure function, maintain quality of life and minimise the chance of fracture.
Guidelines recommend a bone densitometry baseline scan for all Australians in their 50’s and ideally for women, a pre and post menopause scan. REMS can be used in both males and females at any age.
REMS or Radiofrequency, Echographic Multi-spectrometry is non radiographic bone densitometry developed in Europe and now available worldwide. Importantly the technology is TGA approved to measure Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and help diagnose normal bone density, osteopenia or osteoporosis. However, BMD is now recognised to only be part of the equation when it comes to your bone health. REMS also provides an additional assessment called the Fragility Score, to give you and your clinician an idea of your skeletal strength. It is independent of BMD and TGA approved. REMS is a useful guide for bone strength. It cannot be compared with a DEXA scan. Useful studies can be found here: https://echolight.com.au/specifications/
Bone Compass was the first REMS provider in Australia, has scanned over 1,500 patients and is a founding member of the International Institute of Musculoskeletal Health Education (IIMHE) and adheres to the worldwide quality and clinical standards.
A REMS scan is comprehensive and takes 30 mins. You will feel comfortable throughout the procedure. You will lay down on a bed with your clothes on for the technician to perform the procedure. The REMS practitioner will scan your hip (femoral neck) plus lumbar spine, and all scans are written up in a report for you and your clinician. The REMS operator will also briefly explain your report findings, so you feel informed. The technology is accurate and as it is based on sound waves (no radiation), it is completely safe.
Maximising your bone health is an important goal best managed between you and your clinician. Regular tracking with REMS helps inform your best path forward.
To make a booking or for more information, please go to the Bone Compass website www.bonecompass.com.au
