Portable, Radiation-Free Bone Densitometer Launched

Seattle, Washington-based Echolight Medical LLC has announced that it is launching for commercial sale a novel Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry (REMS) which, according to the manufacturer, is the first portable, radiation-free bone densitometer that gives patients bone health scores (including a qualitative assessment of bone microarchitecture) and an assessment of their future fracture-risk within minutes.

"The way we screen and diagnose patients with osteoporosis is finally changing for the better," said Douglas Tefft, president of Echolight Medical North America. "The portability and ease of use of REMS technology means screening can begin earlier, better positioning patients and their health care providers to take meaningful steps to prevent the onset of osteoporosis rather than to treat the disease once fractures begin to impact quality of life."

According to Echolight Medical, Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry is the first clinically available method for the direct non-ionizing measurement of bone mineral density at the axial sites, which include the femur and lumbar spine.

Tefft explained to OTW that the current standard of care (dual energy x-ray) can deliver inconsistent results. “We are finding that women are frustrated with the inconsistencies of their DXA [dual energy x-ray absorptiometry] results. They are looking for more accurate information that will help them confirm whether their medications are actually making a difference in their bone quality.”

“Because REMS assesses bone microarchitecture (in addition to providing a patient’s bone mineral density, T-score and Z-score), physicians are able to make a more informed decision when determining their patient’s treatment plan. In some cases, Echolight Medical’s Fragility Score has been sufficient evidence for patients to discontinue treatment.”

Making Bone Health Easier

As for how REMS outshines the currently available technologies, Tefft added, “REMS is a significant medical advance in bone densitometry. It’s safe and more precise than DXA, and results are reproducible. Patients appreciate that it doesn’t use radiation and physicians are enthusiastic about the portability of the device because it allows them the opportunity to deliver bone health diagnostics at the point of care. This is particularly important for orthopaedic surgeons as it enables them to do a bone health assessment quickly and easily prior to performing an operation.”