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NorthBay Health patients needing full-body scans now have an edge when it comes to X-rays.

It’s called the EOSedge, and it’s a low-dose, 3-D full-body radiologic imaging system which has been hailed as the most user-friendly available for total weight-bearing spine and leg imaging, according to Christopher Hayman, Director of Solano Diagnostic Imaging (SDI). It will be most useful for spine and orthopedic patients.

Imagine needing diagnostic imaging for scoliosis, severe osteoporosis or other spinal or musculoskeletal deficiencies, and being in so much pain it’s not possible to lay still long enough to have an MRI. With the EOSedge, patients can walk right in and stand or sit for an X-ray. Standing scans are particularly useful to physicians, because they can see more clearly how full weight affects the spine and joints.

“The images give me more complete and accurate measurements of skeletal and spinal alignment,” said Patrick Maloney, M.D., neurosurgeon at NorthBay Health. “This system allows me to create a more customized plan for complex spinal surgery. Having the EOS system here is a real game-changer for NorthBay.”

The system was installed in October at NorthBay’s Solano Diagnostic Imaging office, 1101 B. Gale Wilson Blvd., and has already produced scores of high quality X-rays for NorthBay patients, as well as patients referred to SDI.

NorthBay joins UCSF and Stanford as the only health care organizations in the area to offer this advanced technology, noted Dr. Maloney.

The technology was originally developed for use with pediatric patients, Dr. Maloney explained. “Low-dose imaging is a safer option because patients spend less time in an x-ray machine; it’s just one shot and the images are obtained.”

Images will also be key for orthopedic surgeons to better visualize mechanisms or deficiencies between the spine, hip and knee.

Sante Thomas of Fairfield was coming in to get a knee X-ray, and was given the opportunity to have it done with the new equipment.

“It was so easy. I just had to stand there. I’ve had X-rays that were really painful before, but in this case, I just walked right in and it was done.”

She didn’t have to put on a gown. The low-dose high-tech equipment was able to get high quality images through her clothing.

Dana Goldy, EOS Clinical Account Manager, said the X-ray system will be most beneficial to spine and scoliosis patients, because they won’t have to lay down or get into uncomfortable positions. What’s more, depending on the patient and the type of X-ray, most series deliver five times less radiation than a typical X-ray.

If you are a spine or joint replacement patient, or have pain laying down for a traditional X-ray, ask your physician to consider ordering your X-rays at Solano Diagnostic Imaging in Fairfield, using the EOS technology.