Isador Lieberman, orthopedic surgeon and medical director of the Scoliosis and Spine Tumor Center at Texas Health Plano
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano has purchased the EOS Imaging System, a full-body three-dimensional imaging system that utilizes a lower dose of radiation than traditional imaging.
Specifically, the system uses 50 to 85 percent less radiation than with digital radiology, and 95 percent less radiation than basic CT scans. This amounts to a significant impact over time for patients who have to be imaged regularly or have certain conditions that make lying down challenging, including children, the elderly and those with spinal deformities. For example, scoliosis patients, many of whom are teens, will commonly undergo imaging every three to six months for a period of years while they receive treatment.
“When an adolescent has a spine abnormality, they undergo many imaging exams throughout their lifetime, so reducing their radiation dose over time is a benefit to their overall health,” said Isador Lieberman, an orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff and medical director of the Scoliosis and Spine Tumor Center at Texas Health Plano.
In less than 20 seconds, the machine scans the patient’s front and side with a pair of fine X-ray beams. These beams are combined to generate a 3D composite image of the patient’s entire body, when necessary, or a targeted image of a single anatomical area.
“The system produces incredibly precise images of complex spinal conditions, helping us to determine the course of treatment,” Lieberman said. “The 3D image, in comparison to 2D, is much more involved, showing the true nature of a deformity or misalignment. As a surgeon, my goal is to provide the most appropriate and least invasive care to my patients, so being able to see this detail is a huge benefit. I am thrilled that our patients now have access to this technology.”
Another benefit is that the system scans the patient while standing or sitting, therefore producing a functional image of the body, which can increase the physician’s understanding of how the spine, hip or knee is working.
“We are very pleased to be bringing this technology to the people of North Texas,” said Josh Floren, president of the hospital. “Reducing the radiation exposure for our patients is of utmost concern, as is helping our physicians better see inside the body, which may encourage less-invasive care. This is especially important to us as an organization that focuses on increasing the long-term health and well-being of our community.”
Get AXIS e-newsletters free. Subscribe here.
