Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry as a Supportive Imaging Tool for Bone Health Assessment in Sports Medicine.

Abstract

Bone health remains an underestimated component of athlete care and long-term performance. Many athletes, particularly those involved in endurance or weight-sensitive sports, exhibit reduced bone mineral density or impaired bone microarchitecture due to energy deficiency, hormonal imbalance, or chronic stress. These often underdiagnosed conditions increase the risk of stress fractures, ultimately threatening career longevity. Conventional assessment techniques, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and quantitative computed tomography, provide valuable diagnostic information but are limited by radiation exposure, high costs, poor accessibility, and low feasibility for routine use in athletic populations.Radiofrequency echographic multi-spectrometry is an ultrasound-based radiation-free technique that estimates bone mineral density and bone quality through the analysis of raw radiofrequency signals. This review examines the role of radiofrequency echographic multi-spectrometry as a supportive diagnostic tool in sports medicine for the prevention, monitoring, and management of bone fragility and stress-related injuries in athletes. We also highlight future directions for research and clinical integration.