Collaboration to Assess Supine-Loaded MR Imaging of Spinal Abnormalities

A combined project involving an imaging company and an American university is evaluating spinal supine-loaded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology on spinal abnormalities.

Vital Imaging (Glendale, CA, USA) is collaborating with leading researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD; USA) for a joint study with a goal to compare the images of the load-bearing Gravitic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system with that of a supine Dynawell MRI scanner. Vital Imaging is in the continual quest of improved healthcare by integrating cutting-edge technology with progressive research efforts.

Spinal MRI is a very effective tool for assessing pathologic changes in the spine, vertebral bodies, vertebral discs, ligaments, and joints. With its ability to create high-resolution imaging, supine MRI continues to be the norm for analyzing soft tissue in the spine. However, recent studies on patients with degenerative lumbar spine disorders revealed that supine MRI scans might not identify all pathologies that might be present. Because of this uncertainty, Vital Imaging is conducting supine-loaded MRI spinal testing using a Dynawell device as well as a Gravitic MRI scanner. The report from this dual analysis will help to determine which method more accurately reveals patient pathology.

Researchers from Vital Imaging and the University of California, San Diego are currently conducting another study using Gravitic MRI technology. This next study will determine the effect that carrying a backpack has on spinal length and intervertebral disc height in children. It has been theorized that even an average backpack load can decrease lumbar and intervertebral disc height, while also decreasing macro- and microvascular blood flow in the upper extremities. Vital Imaging is actively participating in the effort to collect data that could establish a link between the use of backpacks and back-related injuries in children.

Vital CEO Sam Solakyan noted, “The only thing that comes before a child’s education is their well-being. We feel strongly about ensuring that children, actively taking part in the education process by carrying their books to and from class every day, are not also harming their bodies.”

Vital Imaging has also partnered with UCLA by providing critical data regarding various degenerative conditions, kinematics of the thoracolumbar junction, and also translation and angular motion at various segments of the spine. Utilizing these data, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA; USA) has published multiple articles in a number of medical journals.

Related links:

Vital Imaging
University of California, San Diego