Should I pursue a TBS score?

Hi, @katwhisperer When I had my last DXA my endocrinologist did mention an additional test I could have and I believe that was the TBS. Unfortunately I didn't decide until it was too late to add that to the DXA. She did not push it, I think because she was not sure it would be covered by insurance, but I regret not getting it.
Keep in mind, that doctors want you to have DXAs at the same facility on the same machine each time you get them. I guess the machines are quirky and there can be differences in the results. If you think at some point you might want a TBS I would choose a facility for your DXA that can do that test.
JK

I'm scheduled for a TBS test. I'm hoping it will be good enough so I Dont need meds. I Dont know exactly what it will mean.

What is a TBS test?

What is. TBS test?

Tribecular Bone Scan. Measures bone QUALITY not just density.

From my understanding, it's not really a "test" itself: it's an additionl score/measurement they can add TO the DXA imaging test. (If the facility's technology has this software capability - few do.)

I had to search far and wide for a place with TBS scoring capability. It measure strength of the bone where the traditional DXA measures density/thickness of bone. So potentially someone could have thinner bones, but strong. Or at least, that's my hope!

I don't mind starting on Tymlos, but the followup maintenance drugs are going to be a real problem for me.

My doctor wanted a different facility because my numbers are so close to the margin of error. I could only find 2 facilities in South Florida that has a TBS machine. I'll post my results and if they affect anything once I get the score.

Hi all:

Has anyone had results that have included both a DXA and TBS score, where the TBS actually affected the recommended treatment? In other words, would your doctor have recommended the same course of treatment based on the DXA alone? (I understand the TBS score measures the strength of the bone. ) Does the TBS score provide additional information for treatment or is it primarily for diagnostic purposes?

Hi @inthemoment, I can't answer your question, but I can share a little of what I understand about TBS, from hearing experts like Sara Meeks and Dr. Loren Fishman talk about it. TBS it measures the quality of bone vs quantity (as measured by the DXA scan) and is an indicator of bone health. There was a paper published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, Vol 31, No. 5 May 2016, pp 940-948, "A Meta-Analysis of Traebecular Bone Score in Fracture Risk Prediction and Its Relationship to FRAX." It is highly technical, makes this point, "The question arises how many patients would be reclassified from low risk to high risk and vice versa with the consideration of TBS alongside FRAX or other risk instruments." It concludes"TBS is a consistent and significant predictor of fracture risk and provides information independently of FRAX...The findings of the study support the use of TBS as a standalone assessment of fracture risk, and using adjustnents from the Manitoba cohort, as a post hoc adjunct to risk assessment with FRAX."

I would jump at the chance to f get a TBS for a more complete picture of my bone health, but unfortunately, it's not available where I live. I hope this helps you.

Thank you so much for this information. There will be a TBS machine available near me in the near future. I'm so glad I reached out to this forum.