Willamette Valley Medical Center Introduces Advanced Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) Technology to Enhance Osteoporosis Assessment

Willamette Valley Medical Center (WVMC) is pleased to announce the addition of Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) technology to its Radiology Department. This advanced tool provides a more complete picture of bone health and helps clinicians identify patients at risk for fractures earlier and more accurately.

What Is Trabecular Bone Score?

Trabecular Bone Score is a software tool that evaluates the internal structure of bone (bone micro‑architecture) using images from a standard Dual‑Energy X‑ray Absorptiometry scan (DEXA bone density scan). While a DEXA scan measures bone mineral density, TBS adds insight into bone quality—an important factor in fracture risk.

Why It Matters

By combining TBS with traditional bone mineral density results, providers can:

  • More accurately diagnose patients who may be at increased risk for fractures
  • Personalize treatment decisions for osteoporosis
  • Monitor how well treatments are working
  • Improve long‑term patient management

Who Benefits From TBS?

TBS can provide valuable information for:

  • Adults age 65 and older, and adults age 70 and older who need routine bone‑health monitoring
  • Adults under these ages who have risk factors such as low body weight, previous fractures, or medical conditions affecting bone strength
  • Adults with intermediate fracture risk scores
  • Adults with a history of fragility fractures
  • Adults taking medications or being evaluated for osteoporosis treatment

 

How Can I Get a DEXA Bone Density Scan with TBS?

Much like a standard bone density scan, TBS requires an order from your healthcare provider. This order must specify 2 exam codes, one for the standard DEXA scan, and one additional code for TBS.

  • CPT Code 77080 è DEXA Axial Scan
  • CPT Code 77091 è Trabecular Bone Score (TBS)

A Commitment to Better Bone Health

“At Willamette Valley Medical Center, we are dedicated to offering the most advanced diagnostic tools available,” said Dewane Pace, CEO. “The addition of TBS technology enhances our ability to identify patients at risk sooner and guide more effective treatment plans, ultimately helping prevent fractures and preserve quality of life.”

About Willamette Valley Medical Center

Willamette Valley Medical Center (WVMC) is a 60-bed acute-care, full-service facility, accredited by The Joint Commission and certified as an accredited Chest Pain Center by ACC Accreditation Services, the accrediting arm of the American College of Cardiology, and nationally recognized care for hip fracture treatment by healthgrades.

For over 120 years, WVMC has served as the region’s leading provider of healthcare services and plays a critical role in advancing care for our patients and their families. Since our founding, we have been driven by the idea that great communities deserve great healthcare. Our team is united by a mission of making communities healthier and ensuring quality care is more than just a set of clinical criteria – it is a way of life, encompassing everything we do.  Combined with great care, WVMC is also investing resources locally in programs, such Henderson House, YCAP, Habitat for Humanity, and many more that are supporting individuals and families and creating positive community impact.