REMS FAQ

Echolight® REMS (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry) is an innovative, radiation-free technology that combines ultrasound and radiofrequency analysis to assess bone density and quality.

REMS works by sending sound waves through the bone. As the waves reflect off various internal structures, differentiating bone from organs, and other tissues, the device captures and analyzes the signals using advanced algorithms. This allows REMS to deliver a detailed, multi-dimensional evaluation of bone health—measuring both Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and Bone Quality using a Fragility Score that reflects bone strength. For more technical details, please visit Echolight’s official website.

1. Radiation-Free and Highly Sensitive

• Up to 5x more sensitive than standard DEXA scans in detecting changes in Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
• Radiation-free, enabling safe and frequent monitoring—as often as every 6 months
• Ideal for proactive bone health management and early treatment adjustments
• Portable technology suitable for a variety of clinical settings

2. Greater Accuracy

REMS provides more accurate results than DEXA for individuals with:

• Scoliosis
• Osteoarthritis or other spinal conditions
• Bone spurs or history of vertebroplasty
• Orthopedic implants or hardware (e.g., screws, plates)
• smaller or larger body frames
• Type 2 diabetes
• Positioning difficulties or other technical limitations

3. Advanced Fracture Risk Assessment

• REMS proprietary Fragility Score analyzes bone strength and quality
• Includes a 5-Year Fracture Risk Assessment for deeper insight beyond BMD

4. Real-Time Data and Fast Results

• Uses AI and advanced algorithms to independently analyze scan data
• Comprehensive diagnostic report is generated within 5 minutes
• Clients receive a USB/thumb drive with the full report to share with their healthcare team

Both DEXA and REMS are valuable tools for assessing bone health, but they differ significantly in how they measure bone quality 

REMS evaluates two key metrics:

• Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
• Bone Quality (strength), measures the microarchitecture of the trabecular bone in both the lumbar spine and femoral neck (hip)

In contrast, DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) primarily measures BMD only. While DEXA can estimate bone quality using Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) software, this add-on is:

• Not routinely available in clinical settings
• Limited to the lumbar spine only

For long term bone health monitoring, we recommend comparing DEXA to DEXA and REMS to REMS

The REMS Fragility Score is considered a game changer in bone health assessment because it goes beyond traditional Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measurements to include bone quality, providing a much fuller picture of fracture risk. Here’s why it matters:

For years the best practice in bone health focused on the Bone Mineral Density (BMD). While BMD is a valuable part of the bone health assessment, it doesn’t tell the whole story. In fact, over 50% of fragility fractures occur in individuals with normal BMD or osteopenia.

That’s why also evaluating bone quality is essential.

Bone quality—the internal microstructure of bone—is equally important as the BMD (T-score).

REMS advanced technology addresses this through their proprietary Fragility Score, a unique metric that evaluates:

• The microarchitecture of trabecular (spongy) bone
• Structural integrity that may not be reflected in BMD values alone

✅ Bone Strength = BMD + Bone Quality

REMS combines both factors to deliver a more accurate and complete picture of your bone health and fracture risk.

REMS (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi Spectrometry) may be new to some areas, but it is a proven, globally established technology with over a decade of clinical use.

A Global Standard in Bone Health

• Developed by Echolight in Lecce, Italy
• Used clinically for more than 13 years across Europe (Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, UK, Poland) and around the world, including Australia, Japan, India, Brazil, Canada, and beyond
• FDA Approval in the United States in 2018
• Named Italy’s “gold standard” for bone densitometry in 2020

Trusted by NASA

• In December 2024, NASA adopted REMS to monitor astronauts’ bone health during spaceflight simulations