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What is Digital Motion X-Ray?
DMX is a unique imaging system, which enables the treating doctor to
visualize the internal and external movements of the body or biomechanics
simultaneously. It is the best diagnostic imaging tool to objectively
demonstrate ligament instability and intersegmental joint dysfunction.
DMX examinations that are performed today have the patient move
through a series of positional movements, while the images are being recorded
on a VHS video tape at 30 frames per second. These recorded images then make it
possible for the doctor to play the motion over and over to show the extent of
the patient’s injuries. Digital Motion X-Ray study is the ideal means of
providing the examiner with information pertaining to stability within the
spine.
What makes Digital Motion X-Ray unique and
important?
DMX is cutting edge technology that is finding injuries never before
seen by MRI, CT,
or standard X-Rays. These tests require the patient to lay still or
hold their breath to minimize movement. Injuries are missed because they are
evident only when you move- If your pain increases with movement common sense
tells you that your injury should be examined “in motion”.
Digital Motion X-ray uses a low dose generator keeping the patient’s
exposure to a minimum. Standard hospital equipment uses an MA setting range
from 100, 200 to 300 MA. DMX is set at 2 or 3 MA. A typical examination runs
approximately three minutes.
DMX studies may be most helpful in discovering new information when
routine x-rays are found to be normal because DMX detects abnormal motion
regardless of subtlety. Demonstration of abnormal motion can significantly help
in the management of patients with neck pain. DMX can both document the injury
that has occurred and help the physician determine a course of therapy or
determine if the patient has reached maximum medical improvement.
When Do I order a Digital Motion X-Ray?
Potential DMX patients are very sensitive to segmental instability
from ligament disruption. These injuries cause pain referral in scleratogenous
patterns. Patients experience increased pain with movement, localized pain and
pain across the top of the shoulders and posterior neck & back pain.
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Static X-rays may be taken to rule out fractures, gross dislocation,
or pathology.
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At the discretion of the physician, special diagnostic testing
should be done after conservative care, physical therapy or prescription drug
therapy has been tried.
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If the patient’s response is not favorable, diagnostic testing
should be performed.
What to Order (DMX or MRI):
Digital Motion X-Ray
DMX is very sensitive for segmental instability from ligament
disruption.
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Segmental instability or ligament injuries cause headaches and pain
referral in scleratogenous patterns.
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Patients experience increased pain with movement, localized pain,
pain across the top of the shoulders and upper back. (There is no referral of
pain, numbness, or tingling in the extremity.)
Signs and symptoms of ligamentous injury that causes
scleratogenous pain:
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Neurological Testing would be normal. This would include pin-prick
and vibratory sensations, muscle stretch reflexes, and muscle strength.
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Foraminal compression testing with rotation and lateral bending will
produce increased pain in the cervical spine with possible radiation of this
pain across the upper back and top of shoulders. (This should not include
radiating pain or tingling sensation into the upper
extremity.)
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Shoulder depressor test may also increase the pain radiating into
upper back and shoulders. (This should not include radiating pain or tingling
sensation into the upper
extremity.)
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Deep palpation over spinous processes and facet joint capsular
ligaments will reveal pain consistently over the same structures.
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If pain is repeatedly induced at the same level over specific
ligaments, DMX would be the test of choice.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI is very sensitive for disc and spinal cord lesions.
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Disc lesions cause radiculopathy or pinching of the nerve as it
exits out the intervertebral foramina (IVF).
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Patients with radiculopathy experience pain, numbness, or tingling
radiating into an upper extremity, as well as muscle weakness.
Signs and symptoms of disc lesions that cause
radiculopathy:
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Neurological testing such as reflexes, pin-prick, vibratory,muscle
and deep tendon testing will be altered. (If these are
diminished, there is a strong possibility of nerve compression.)
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Foraminal compression testing with lateral bending and rotation of
the head to reduce the size of IVF as much as possible. (With
Foraminal compression there may be radiating pain, tingling and numbness
radiating down into an extremity.)
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If these signs are positive for radiculopathy, MRI would be the test
of choice.
How do I order a DMX?
You can order a DMX online by clicking on the
ORDER DMX page link and filling out the proper paper work. You can also
order a DMX by calling our office toll free number - (1-888-363-2111)
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