New Scanner Provides Full-Body, Low-Dose Imaging at UAMS Orthopaedics Clinic
| March 21, 2017 | The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is the first in the state to acquire an EOS® imaging system to provide full-body scans with low-dose radiation for advanced orthopaedic care.
The EOS system provides low dose, full body, stereo-radiographic images of patients in a functional, weight-bearing position and is now available at the UAMS Orthopaedics Clinic – Autumn Road. The system simultaneously captures several images, including front, side and full-body 3D images of patients in weight-bearing positions, allowing physicians to better understand and assess alignment and function of the spine, hips and knees.
The scan can also be tailored to target specific areas of the body – such as the spine, hips and legs – providing clear, high-quality images to assist physicians in diagnosis and treatment.
The EOS full-body frontal and lateral scan takes less than 20 seconds for adults and 15 seconds for children, and an entire full body exam can be completed in under four minutes. The scan reduces the patient’s radiation by 50 percent compared to a standard digital radiography (DR) system (form of X-ray imaging) and by 85 percent compared to a computed radiography (CR) system (another form of X-ray imaging). Furthermore, substituting specific computed tomography (CT) scan exams with an EOS exam can reduce the patient’s radiation dose by 95 percent.
The EOS imaging system also has a Micro Dose option, which uses about a week’s worth of natural radiation – ideal for children and patients who require frequent scans.
The EOS system was purchased with funds from UAMS Medical Center and the UAMS College of Medicine, which houses the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
In addition to its clinical uses, the EOS imaging system will aid UAMS faculty in research and education.
David B. Bumpass, M.D., joined the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in 2015, bringing expertise in adult and pediatric spinal surgery to the department. Bumpass used the EOS imaging system during his training at Washington University and is excited about the possibilities it affords.
“EOS is a key to keeping UAMS at the forefront of complex spinal care and research. It is safer and more convenient for patients and provides physicians with all of the information they need,” Bumpass said. “The research opportunities are tremendous, specifically with regard to better understanding spinal alignment and its impact on the function of other joints. Our medical students and residents benefit from having technology like this be part of their treatment planning and educational experience.”
The EOS imaging system and physicians like Bumpass are part of an overall effort by Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Chair C. Lowry Barnes to assemble a comprehensive team of orthopaedic physicians at UAMS. Since 2015, Barnes has hired surgeons with expertise in sports medicine; hip and knee replacements; and hand, upper extremity, shoulder, wrist, spine and elbow surgeries.
“We have many of the right team members in place, and with technology like the EOS system, we are providing them with the tools they need to provide the best in comprehensive orthopaedic care in Arkansas,” Barnes said.
Physicians may refer patients for an EOS scan at the Orthopaedics Clinic, 600 Autumn Road. Patients must bring a paper version of their X-ray order with them to the appointment. Appointments can be made at 501-526-1046.
UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; a hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and eight institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute, Institute for Digital Health & Innovation and the Institute for Community Health Innovation. UAMS includes UAMS Health, a statewide health system that encompasses all of UAMS’ clinical enterprise. UAMS is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has 3,485 students, 915 medical residents and fellows, and seven dental residents. It is the state’s largest public employer with more than 11,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Children’s, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube or Instagram.###