New scanners benefit patients with scoliosis

lower the dose and modify the dose.”

There might be two or three scans needed each year to monitor the child’s growth. When needed, ultrasound technology and standard X-rays are still used.

Radiation exposure for scoliosis patients varies, Dr. Moore said, depending on the method.

Putting EOS to use

“We’re very quickly seeing the advantages,” Dr. Ward said, adding that Children’s is starting a spinal deformity center that will offer low radiation imaging, bracing experts and physical therapists all in one place, designed to draw See video at post-gazette. young patients from UPMC satellite centers as well.

Prevention of severe scoliosis is the focus of the AHN practice, Dr. Sangimino said, “We’re doing better therapy, doing better interventions. We’re able to control a lot of curves we couldn’t control before.” EOS technology helps determine when simple therapy routines are most effective and helps brace makers with their work, he said.

Among children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other conditions, he said EOS can deal with the multiple systems involved; sometimes there are hip dislocations. The EOS scans allow doctors to see inside joints as a young patient is standing, and mechanical problems can be diagnosed, even with girls who have a problem with dislocated kneecaps, for example. “We can use tricks to keep them out of the surgery unit,” Dr. Sangimino said.

“My goal is to put myself out of business as a surgeon. It’s hard in today’s medicine to do that,” he said. “This is a wonderful thing.”