When it comes to assessing bone health, most people are familiar with the DEXA scan—a quick, painless test that measures bone mineral density (BMD). However, there is a way to go beyond density and examine the actual structure of your bones. That’s where Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) comes in.
What Is TBS?
TBS is a software-based enhancement to the standard DEXA scan. It analyzes the texture of the trabecular bone—the spongy inner part of bones such as the spine and hip—using the same image captured during a DEXA scan. No additional time, radiation, or scanning is required.
Why Bone Structure Matters
Traditional DEXA scans measure the amount of bone you have (quantity), but not how strong or well-connected that bone is (quality). TBS fills this gap by evaluating the microarchitecture of your bones. This is crucial because two people with identical bone density scores can have vastly different fracture risks depending on their bone structure.
Advantages of Bone Density Testing with TBS
- Enhanced Fracture Risk Prediction: TBS can identify up to more patients at high risk of fracture who might be missed by DEXA alone.
- Comprehensive Bone Health Assessment: Combining bone quantity (DEXA) and bone quality (TBS) gives physicians a more complete picture of bone strength.
- Streamlined Testing: TBS is seamlessly integrated into the DEXA scan process—no extra appointments, time, or radiation exposure.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: TBS helps guide individual osteoporosis management, including medication choices and lifestyle recommendations, such as exercise and fall prevention.
Accessibility and Insurance
At Elizabeth Wende Breast Care (EWBC), DEXA scans with TBS are available at all locations – including Brighton, Batavia, Geneseo, Greece, Victor, Watertown, and Webster – and is our standard of care.
Medicare typically covers bone density testing every two years for patients 65 and older, and most other insurers follow suit. However, TBS may involve additional out-of-pocket costs, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider.
Your bone health matters to us. At Elizabeth Wende Breast Care, we’re always looking for ways to provide the most advanced and accurate testing available.
