Trabecular bone scan v REMS

Treatment journeys & osteoporosis medicines
1

Hi everyone,

Has anyone had a Trabecular Bone Scan (TBS)? If so where and how did you get one?

I think the TBS has more efficacy than REMS.

3

Hi I got a TBS score as part of my DXA results.

4

Hi GeordieMeg,

Thanks for your reply.

I assume you got your TBS on the NHS. I wondered whether you initiated this or whether your hospital do them as standard?

I know they are not done everywhere because they don’t have the equipment on the DEXA scanner everywhere. But even where they do have the equipment I don’t think they always use it (maybe because of cost or maybe they don’t think the results are very helpful/valid or maybe there is no one trained to interpret them!). So it is interesting to find out why they choose to use it when they do.

How did your TBS score compare to your bone density t score? Did your consultant discuss it with you and did it influence your treatment plan?

I have a poor t score but am hoping if I get a TBS that my bone quality will be good - showing I have strong bones despite the t score.

5

Please update up

Please update us with Bex queries. Thank you

6

Hi The TBS score was given routinely on the Dexa report. I got my Dexa after a referral to the Fracture Liason Service after a fall led to a broken wrist. The FLN phoned me first with the results and told me my bone structure “wasn’t bad”. I’ve since surmised that at 1.369 that’s normal?? My Lumbar Spine T-score was -2.7 and my total hip -1.3. I never saw a consultant from the FLS only phone calls from the nurse. I did, however, go to see my GP and a private endocrinologist.

I started the meds August last year and have no problems with it. I was already strength training and the GP thought that as my bones were used to weights then strength training wouldn’t be enough (not convinced I agree!). I’ve ramped up the training and negotiated a 3 yr repeat Dexa on advice from the Endocrinologist in the hope I can have a break at 3 yrs rather than 5,

Hope that helps but please feel free to get back to me.

7

I’ve updated now.

8

Thank you. Shall put it in my folder as due for a dexa after one year.

9

Hi GeordieMeg,

It’s good that your hospital do the TBS scans. And reassuring that the quality of your bones are normal.

Well done with the weight training. I hope it helps. I’m planning to start myself.

1 Like
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I asked at my DEXA scan if the machine did a trebecular score. The radiographer didn’t know what I was talking about! I’ve since had a REMS scan but this has caused more confusion for me. I’m finding this whole process very difficult to navigate. I also have complex dental situation which is costing a fortune to get to a point to consider medication (which I don’t really want to take).