Did you know that “normal” bones can still break? While bone mineral density (BMD) measured by DEXA remains the cornerstone of osteoporosis diagnosis, it does not fully capture bone strength. Many individuals with normal or osteopenic BMD still experience fragility fractures, highlighting the importance of bone quality—the structural and material properties that contribute to bone resistance. The Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) is an emerging, validated tool that analyzes DEXA images to estimate trabecular microarchitecture. By integrating TBS with BMD, clinicians can refine fracture risk prediction and optimize treatment strategies.

This session will explore how combining bone density and bone quality assessment provides a more comprehensive evaluation of skeletal health, and how these insights can inform personalized prevention and management plans.

Professor Didier Hans is a distinguished academic and business leader in medical science, with over 30 years of expertise in bone health imaging and body composition assessment. He currently heads Research and Development at the Interdisciplinary Center of Bone Diseases of the Bone and Joint Department at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), one of the top ten ranking hospital in the world. Previously, he has held significant research positions at the University Hospital of Geneva (HUG), in the United States at UCSF with Prof. HK Genant, and in France at HEH with Professors PJ Meunier & PD Delmas. Professor Hans has authored over 400 peer-reviewed articles and has received numerous awards, including the 2019 ISCD (International Society for Clinical Densitometry) Researcher of the Year awards and in 2006 the ISCD Clinician of the Year and in 2019, Researcher of the Year.

He serves on several editorial boards and holds prominent roles in international organizations such as the IOF (International Osteoporosis Foundation) and ISCD (where he was President). Prof. Hans has taught worldwide and has been a consultant for various companies. He co-founded Med-Imaps SA in 2006, which later became Medimaps Group SA. As its part-time CEO since 2012, he directs the company’s global strategy and innovation, maintaining its position at the forefront of the industry. Prof. Hans holds a PhD in Medical Physics, a Professorship position from Lausanne Medical University and an Executive MBA from HEC Geneva. He has also successfully sold companies he co-founded, such as Synarc, Inc., and Ascendys Sàrl.