Digital Motion X-ray

Digital Motion X-ray®

We are proud to be the only office in the Santa Clarita Valley to have a Digital Motion X-ray (DMX). DMX is a new type of fluoro-based x-ray system, coupled with new digital and optic technology, allowing Dr. Unruh to view the spine in real-time motion at 30 x-rays per second. This also reduces x-ray exposure by 97% due to new technology. The procedure is performed with the patient standing and actively moving in a weight-bearing position within the system.

Traditionally, diagnosis of injuries rely upon non-moving diagnostic procedures, such as static x-rays, stress view x-rays, CT, and MRI. During these tests, patients are asked to stand or lie still: "Don't move" and/or "Hold your breath." Patients hurt more when they move, and pain is commonly an indicator of injury. The majority of these non-moving diagnostic tests come out negative or unremarkable.

It is common knowledge among spinal care professionals including surgeons that damage to ligaments, tendons and underlying support structures can not be corrected with surgery or physiotherapy alone. Until now it has been difficult to diagnose these injuries objectively.

Stretched and torn ligaments can result in a condition called "kinesiopathology" or abnormal motion of the bones that make up the joint. This abnormal motion results in ongoing rubbing and grinding of the bone surfaces during motion, preventing normal healing, and leading to premature onset of degenerative joint disease, a wear and tear type of arthritis. Only  DMX can fully evaluate internal joint motion, and properly screen for kinesiopathology

Auto accident injuries occur in milliseconds, too quick for the human nervous system to react and protect. This leaves only bones and ligaments to protect the body. Since cervical bones are rarely broken, the connective tissues are most commonly injured.

Ligaments are connective tissue that attach bone to bone. The purpose of ligaments is to keep bones in proper position, and work similar to hinges on a door. It has been suspected that ligaments are damaged easily, but until now, it has been difficult to diagnose ligamentous injuries. DMX can demonstrate these injuries in as little as 15 minutes.

DMX visually demonstrates aberrant movement of bones, allowing the radiologist to specifically determine which ligaments are injured. Treatment can then be tailored to the patient's need and progress can be assessed with the help of DMX.