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FLS Workshop 2026: Advanced Imaging / Opportunistic Screening
This session examines the diagnosis of osteoporosis beyond conventional central dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. The presentation reviews the established diagnostic framework, including bone mineral density T-score thresholds, FRAX based fracture probability, and the diagnosis of osteoporosis on the basis of fragility fracture regardless of T-score. It then addresses the technical and patient related limitations of DXA, such as degenerative disease, soft tissue calcification, prior vertebral fractures, and body habitus, that can spuriously alter measured bone mineral density. The remainder of the session surveys alternative and emerging diagnostic technologies, including quantitative computed tomography, quantitative ultrasound, opportunistic CT using Hounsfield unit measurement, radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and artificial intelligence based screening from existing imaging. The session closes by situating these tools within current practice, noting their present role as screening and supplemental methods rather than DXA replacements, and reaffirming central DXA as the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Target Audience
This continuing education activity is intended for use by health professionals who participate in the care of patients at risk for or suffering from osteoporosis, in the areas of primary care, endocrinology, geriatrics, gynecology, internal, obstetrics, orthopedics, osteopathy, pediatrics, physiatry, radiology, rheumatology and physical therapy.
This includes physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, technologists, researchers, public health professionals and health educators with an interest in osteoporosis and bone health.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
1. Describe the diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis, including bone mineral density T-score thresholds, FRAX based fracture probability, and fracture based diagnosis in the absence of other metabolic bone disease.
2. Identify common patient related and technical artifacts that falsely alter DXA measured bone mineral density and recognize their effect on diagnostic accuracy.
3. Compare alternative and emerging diagnostic modalities, including quantitative computed tomography, quantitative ultrasound, opportunistic CT, radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry, and artificial intelligence based screening, with respect to their advantages and limitations.
4. Apply appropriate use of these emerging technologies as screening or supplemental tools while recognizing central DXA as the gold standard for osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Name of Individual | Individual's Role(s) in Activity | Name of Ineligible Company(s) | Nature of Relationship(s) |
| David Freeze, DNP, FNP-BC | Speaker | N/A | N/A |
| Amy Mitchell, MSN, FNP-C | Planner/Accredited Provider Program Director & Content Expert | Amgen & Radius Health | Speaker’s Bureau, Scientific Advisory Board, Consulting |
Ami Patel | BHOF Staff, Vice President of Science & Education | N/A | N/A |
Andrea Medeiros | BHOF Staff, Vice President of Public Health & Policy | N/A | N/A |
All of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.
Accreditation Statement
The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
CME Program Eligibility
Method of Participation in the Learning Process: Clinician learners will view and analyze the subject matter, conduct additional informal research through related internet searches on the subject matter, and complete a post-test assessment of knowledge and skills gained as a result of the activity.
After participating in this activity, the reader has the option of taking an evaluation for this activity. It is estimated it will take 0.75 hour(s) to complete the reading and take the evaluation. Continuing education credit will be available for two years from the date of publication.
Disclosure of Commercial Support
It is the policy of the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its sponsored publications and programs. BHOF requires the disclosure of the existence of any significant financial interest or any other relationship the sponsor, Editorial Board or Guest Contributors have with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) discussed in an educational presentation. All authors and contributors to this continuing education activity have disclosed any real or apparent interest that may have direct bearing on the subject matter of this program.
Please be advised that BHOF’s accreditation status with ACCME and ANCC does not imply endorsement by BHOF, ACCME or ANCC of any commercial products displayed in conjunction with this activity or endorsement of any point of view.
Refund Policy
BHOF offers no returns or refunds on online internet CME activities purchased through our store. All sales are final. Meeting and workshop registrations will be refunded in accordance with the cancellation policy of the meeting and/or workshop, as outlined at registration.
Available Credit
- 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™The National Osteoporosis Foundation is an approved Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) accredited CME provider through March 2023. ACCME accreditation accelerates learning, change and improvement in the field of osteoporosis. The National Osteoporosis Foundation is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The National Osteoporosis Foundation designates educational activities for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 0.75 ANCCThe mission of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), is to promote excellence in nursing and health care globally through credentialing programs. The National Osteoporosis Foundation is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. The National Osteoporosis Foundation designates educational activities for continuing nursing education credit(s).
- 0.75 Participation
- 0.75 Participation/AttendanceA certificate of attendance will be provided to all other attending healthcare professionals. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants may request AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ certificate of participation. Please refer to your provider to determine whether this program will qualify for other categories of continuing education credits. The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) also accepts educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education (ACCME).