Adult patient in the X-ray EOS machine with Low Dose Radiological ImagingUsing Low-Dose Imaging (X-ray) to Improve Patient Care and Treatment

At Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute, we believe in providing our patients with great treatment and care.  For example, we offer in-house Low Dose Imaging services using the EOS system at our Dallas location.

The new imaging system refers to a state-of-the-art 2D/3D X-ray imaging system.  This system allows our doctors to take high-quality images of patients in a variety of positions. The EOS system uses two X-ray beams to scan patients and create two high-quality images.  

These two full-body images can then help create a 3D model.  With this model, our doctors will gain a better understanding of a patient’s medical condition and its complexity. This also allows our doctors to make an accurate diagnosis, as well as to tailor treatment plans for each patient.

Advantages of Low-Dose Imaging 

  • Quickly Available – The ability to quickly produce high-quality, full-body digital X-ray images provides a great advantage.  A single scan that takes 10-25 seconds provides the doctor with everything he needs.  
  • Quicker exam time – To achieve similar results with regular X-ray imaging, multiple exposures, and image processing (such as stitching together of images) need to take place.  This results in much longer exam times and higher doses of radiation per patient.
  • Low Dose Radiation – The EOS system delivers 50% to 85% less radiation than normal digital X-ray systems and 95% less dose than CT scans, according to the manufacturer. Reducing the dose of radiation provides children who require frequent imaging, with a safer X-ray.
  • Natural posture can get imaged – Because the EOS system can take X-rays of patients in a sitting or standing position, our doctors can get a good idea of a patient’s natural posture along with joint orientation without the need for certain poses or having the patient lie down.

 

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In-house Imaging Means you get Immediate Diagnostic Care

Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute’s advanced in-house X-ray system allows doctors to rapidly scan, diagnose, and begin treating our patients. It also means that you don’t need to travel to an offsite imaging facility.

After checking in at our office, a technician will escort you to the exam room.  Then you will sit or stand in the scanning booth for up to 25 seconds while the X-ray gets taken. The doctor can then quickly review the images from the exam.  The doctor will then discuss your results with you to determine the next steps.

Low Dose Radiation Benefits for Adults and Children

Based on other 2D imaging, our system delivers 50 to 85 percent less radiation than most X-ray systems. For a full-body 3D scan, EOS uses 800–1000 times less radiation than a similar CT scan.

Reducing the dose of radiation provides better health care for pediatric patients.  Especially those with a spine condition like scoliosis, which requires frequent X-rays to monitor.  Because growing children become more sensitive to the effects of radiation, getting low-dose X-rays is a big win.  Because scoliosis and other spine disorders appear as three-dimensional conditions, doctors can examine images in 3D as well.

For this reason, our system can reduce radiation exposure to even lower levels thanks to a setting called MicroDose. When the system operates on the MicroDose setting, it emits even less radiation than a standard exam.  That equates to about 6 hours of natural background radiation and still produces high-quality 3D images.

High-Quality Images in Multiple Positions in Seconds

With traditional X-ray imaging, patients often lie down or hold weird poses to get the best image. With our system, patients can get scanned while standing or in a seated position.

When needed, 3D images of the patient can get captured in an upright, weight-bearing position. This allows the doctor to better examine the natural posture.  Also, it allows the doctors to see how the spine, hips, and lower limbs interact with each other.

Clear, Accurate Imaging for Better Diagnoses and Surgical Outcomes

In addition to reduced radiation and rapid scanning, the system allows doctors to get a more complete picture of a patient’s condition to provide a precise diagnosis and to gather detailed data should surgery become needed.

Finally, the 3D models will assist our surgeons by helping them plan, and in some cases, even simulate a surgical procedure.  Our goal at the Southwest Scoliosis and Spine Institute with offices in DallasPlano, and Frisco, Texas is to use science to improve outcomes and recovery times.  Call us today for an appointment.

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EOS Imaging: X-rays