| Question |
Answer |
|
Why doesn't my local Doctor or Radiologist recommend a
Digital Motion X-Ray to diagnose my injury? |
Since it is new, the medical professionals are
in the early stages of awareness and learning about the technology and most
facilities do not have DMX equipment. |
| What is Digital
Motion X-Ray or DMX? |
Digital Motion
X-ray is the next level in the evolution of X-Ray. X-Rays are well
established as a diagnostic tool in the medical industry. Video
fluoroscopy was an early form of moving x-ray. Digital motion x-ray
combines today's digital technology with established x-ray and video
fluoroscopy technology to produce the best moving images possible resulting in
clean, clear, diagnostic x-rays that show full range of motion as it happens. |
| Why do we need
moving X-Rays? |
With the use of
moving x-rays, we can visualize spinal mechanical abnormalities that may not be
revealed on still images. |
| Why won't my
regular neck x-rays show the injury or abnormality? |
Typically,
regular x-ray images of the neck consist of a series of 3 views. The 3
regular views are taken while the patient is completely still. Some
injuries or abnormalities do present themselves on these still images but
unfortunately, many do not. A Digital Motion X-Ray series will typically
have at least 2700 separate views taken while the spine is in motion.
Motion x-rays are taken from thousands of different angles. The
probability of revealing the injury are proportionately greater with the number
of images captured, especially when combined with the actual motion of the
spine and the resulting interaction of the skeletal structure. |
| Am I exposed to
higher doses of x-ray radiation with Digital Motion X-Ray? |
DMX was
designed with low exposure in mind. One regular still x-ray will have the
same amount of radiation exposure as 15 seconds of Digital Motion X-Ray.
DMX takes an incredible 30 images per second. As a result, DMX can
produce an astounding 450 images with the same level of radiation exposure as 1
regular still x-ray! |
| Typically,
what injuries are revealed through DMX that may not be revealed through a
traditional x-ray series? |
DMX was
developed specifically for revealing injuries which occur from
motion. An example would be a case where the spine is violently put
in motion such as a rear impact vehicle crash. Studies have shown that a
high percentage of ligament damage occurs in such a case. The supportive
ligaments (Alar and Accessory ligaments) which hold the head on the top of the
spine are commonly damaged. New studies indicate that when these
ligaments are torn away from the base of the skull, it leads to painful
instability. If this damage occurs, it can be irreversible and leads to
chronic pain at the base of the skull and severe headaches. Another
example would be an injury suffered to the lower cervical spine ligaments that
hold the spinal joints together. Irreversible damage to these ligaments
(Capsular ligaments) results in cervical spine instability as well as
pain in the neck and shoulders. Traditional x-rays or even regular MRI
(Magnetic Resonance Imaging) will not reveal these injuries but DMX has been
developed specifically to screen these areas. |
| Do regular
x-rays and Digital Motion X-Rays look the same? |
No. They
look similar, but not the same. Regular still x-rays are recorded on a
single piece of x-ray film whereby the bone images are exposed as an
underdeveloped white image against an overdeveloped black background. DMX
images are recorded on high quality video film where the exposures are inverted
(black bone images against a white background) to produce better resolution and
contrast.
|
| Are there cases
where regular x-rays are sufficient? |
Yes. Traditional x-rays should always be taken first
to rule out possibilities of unstable fractures and to screen for other various
pathology. If ligament instability is suspected, then DMX is called
for. |
| If I continue
to have pain and disability following regular x-rays and resulting treatment,
should I consider DMX? |
Absolutely!
Typically, pain is a symptom of an injury. Digital Motion X-ray analysis
should be strongly considered as an augmentation of the root cause analysis. |
| Will my doctor
be familiar with DMX, its availability and benefits? |
Not all doctors
are familiar with this emerging technology. If you or your doctor have
questions, we invite you to contact our offices and/or refer to the extensive
library within this web site. We love to educate patients,
doctors and attorneys on the benefits of DMX! |