DIGITAL X-RAY

Digital X-ray offers numerous benefits to patients, including faster imaging completion times, fewer repeat X-rays for the patient, a reduction in radiation exposures and better image quality for more accurate diagnosis. It also helps the environment as it eliminates the need for chemicals to develop the film.

Unlike traditional radiography, which uses photographic film to capture images of the human body, digital radiography stores its images in computer files. The primary advantage of digital radiography is time. Since the images don’t need to undergo the chemical development process, digital X-ray images are available much quicker. In addition, since the images are created digitally, there is no need to scan film to import it into a digital format. Digitally stored X-ray images can be viewed on a number of devices, including desktop and hand-held devices such as tablets and smartphones. This makes the sharing of information between doctors much more streamlined, which results in better patient outcomes and reduced costs.

​

In some cases, digital radiography requires less radiation to achieve an image of similar contrast and clarity than that of traditional film-based radiography.

MI-EYE DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

Mi-Eye Diagnostic Imaging is a disposable needle with a fully integrated camera enabling physicians to use advanced diagnostic imaging to visualize joint injuries. This procedure is a type of simplified arthroscopy (joint scoping) that allows a specialist to diagnose a joint problem in the doctor’s office.  The test enables patients to learn the cause of their orthopedic pain immediately, rather than having to wait for the results of an MRI.

In the procedure, the orthopedist numbs the joint area with a local anesthetic and inserts a needle that has a tiny (2 millimeter) camera with a light source.  The specialist can move this mini arthroscope (joint scope) to different positions and angles to inspect the bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and other structures in the joint.  The doctor views and captures images on a tablet connected to the needle scope by a data cable.  The orthopedist uses these images for later reference and to share with the patient in reviewing the source of joint pain. The test takes about 10 minutes. After the doctor pulls the needle out, a bandage is put on the injection site. No recovery is needed for this diagnostic test.

With the new technology, patients may avoid the need to schedule an MRI, which is much more expensive than an evaluation by Mi-Eye and requires two additional appointments. With a real-time look at the patient’s joint during the initial evaluation, orthopedic specialists can diagnose injuries immediately and set up a treatment plan, and/or a surgery date, sooner. Orthopedic surgeons can also use Mi-Eye to make injections into the knee, remove debris and evaluate results and healing in a surgically repaired joint.

In some cases, digital radiography requires less radiation to achieve an image of similar contrast and clarity than that of traditional film-based radiography.