ISCD 2015

Driving to Chicago in February was cold and snowing.  But it was hot indoors at the ISCD (International Society for Clinical Densitometry) Annual Meeting and Position Development Conference (PDC).

While no new technologies were introduced, the PDC evaluated the scientific studies of several recent innovations.  Most are best done in research centers.  One recent innovation could make it to clinical centers.  Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) is a software addition to DXA that adds information about the quality of bone by re-analyzing the L1, L2, L3 vertebrae.

We have discussed how adding Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA) to a DXA Bone Mineral Density (BMD) improves Fracture Risk calculation.   TBS has the same potential.  The main issues blocking TBS are software cost, added time, and the fact that all insurances (including Medicare) currently do not pay for it.

We also attended presentations about patient treatment issues.  Fracture Prevention is much more than just checking a T-score with DXA.  National experts shared their knowledge of medical issues that can strongly influence Bone Health and Fracture Risk.  More about these sessions next time.

You can Take Control of your Future with action to decrease your fracture risk.

Jay Ginther, MD

Categorised in: Evaluation and Screening