Osteoporosis Evaluation by Radiofrequency Echographic Multispectrometry (REMS) in Primary Healthcare

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry (REMS) technology has emerged as a promising alternative for osteoporosis diagnosis. This non-ionising, portable and accessible method enables early detection of osteoporosis in primary healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of REMS in evaluating osteoporosis within primary healthcare. Methods: Bone mineral density was assessed in 86 participants trough 172 scans of the lumbar spine and femur, using REMS technology in two Portuguese primary healthcare units in Guarda. Results: In the lumbar spine evaluation, 51.2% of the participants had osteopenia and 31.4% osteoporosis; in the femur evaluation, 43.0% had osteopenia and 34.9% osteoporosis. The data indicated a significant prevalence of bone fragility. The bone mineral density estimated by radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry showed good agreement with the clinical diagnosis, suggesting that this technology is effective in the early detection of osteoporosis. Conclusions: Bone densitometry using REMS method, performed by a radiographer in primary healthcare settings, offers a viable and innovative alternative for the effective detection of osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Keywords

• osteoporosis
• primary healthcare
• radiographer
• radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry (REMS)
• ultrasound
• bone mineral density (BMD)