Carestream, UBMD Initiate Orthopedic Diagnostic Imaging System Trials

Carestream and UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine initiated clinical trials for a 3D orthopedic imaging system, the Rochester, N.Y., devicemaker announced last week.

An initial study will evaluate the device’s efficacy in treating knee cap instability, with an additional one testing the system’s ability to measure contact area inside the knee joint. More projects are in the works, says Dr. John Marzo, a UBMD physician.

The cone beam CT system uses less radiation than CT currently available, as well as being compact, cost-effective and having the potential to be used across a range of different facilities, the company says. The devicemaker provides the example of using the system at a football stadium or locker room to provide immediate diagnosis — football sees the highest incidents of knee and ankle injuries among college athletes.

With this technology, medical professionals can capture previously unavailable weight-bearing — when the patient stands upright — images of knees, legs and feet, the company claims.

If the trials prove successful, the two organizations plan to extend development of the imaging technology to include treatments for other extremity conditions.

The FDA has designated the CBCT system for investigational use only. — Jason Scott