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WHY THE LOW DOSE RADIATION 2D/3D IMAGING SYSTEM IS USEFUL FOR THE SPINAL SURGEON

Paris, France

Introduction: We believe the information given by a new 2D/3D low dose radiation system is useful to the spinal surgeon.

Method: This commercially developed system was evaluated over the past three years. We evaluated 150 patients, with normal controls, using two prototypes. We compared it with a CT scan for accuracy in 2D and 3D reconstruction and for radiation doses.

Results: We found various advantages of this system over CT scanning:

1. Reductions in radiation exposure of x8 to x10 fold in 2D, and x800 to x1000 in 3D.
   
2. It gives data from standing imaging compared with supine in a CT scanner.
   
3. It allows imaging of the skeleton from head to foot, which in CT imaging demands excessive radiation.
   
4. It allows surface reconstruction from head to foot
   
5. It can be used with a force plate to indicate gravity forces
   
6. It, uniquely, can give a view of the skeleton from the top
   
7. It can measure thoracic cage volume
   
8. It can assess the effects of bracing
   
9. When combined with other non-invasive methods of measurement, can help to define operative procedures
   

Overall it provides a new approach to assessing spinal deformity both in the horizontal plane and in volumetric measurement.

Conclusion: his innovative method is clearly a help for both patients and surgeons.

Correspondence should be addressed to Jeremy C T Fairbank at The Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Windmill Road, Headington, Oxford OX7 7LD, UK