June 30, 2017 — Medical device companies CurveBeam and Carestream Health announced a collaboration to support and facilitate education and research for weight-bearing computed tomography (CT) imaging.
“The ability to capture weight-bearing CT images allows foot and ankle specialists to study foot biomechanics in three dimensions. Significant clinical research already has demonstrated weight-bearing CT has the potential to be the new standard of care for an initial diagnosis. However, much work remains to be done to increase awareness among orthopedic specialists,” said Vinti Singh, marketing manager for CurveBeam.
Before the introduction of weight-bearing CT imaging in 2012, patients could get either a weight-bearing radiographic 2-D X-ray or a non-weight bearing medical CT scan. X-rays can at times obscure and distort anatomical details, while non-weight bearing CT scans may inaccurately represent joint space and alignment. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) recommends weight-bearing imaging when possible to get the most accurate assessment.
“The image quality and detail captured with 3-D weight-bearing CT exams allow the surgeon to view and measure anatomical abnormalities of lower extremities under natural load conditions,” said Helen Titus, Carestream’s worldwide marketing director for ultrasound & CT. “The goal of this collaboration is to spread the word about this new imaging modality among orthopedic specialists.”
The companies will work together to support the Weight-Bearing CT International Study Group, which is comprised of orthopedic researchers from leading institutions in the United States and Europe. The group is working to create standardized protocols for weight-bearing CT measurements and analysis.
The companies’ first joint initiative is to co-sponsor an evening scientific session during the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society annual meeting, July 12-14 in Seattle. Speakers at this session include Mark Easley, M.D., of Duke Orthopedics in Durham, N.C., and Lew Schon, M.D., of MedStar Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore.
Both companies offer weight-bearing solutions for extremity CT imaging. The devices employ cone beam CT technology and are designed for point-of-care settings, as well as hospitals and imaging centers.
For more information: www.wbctstudygroup.com
