GE Medical Systems Introduces Break-Through Bone Imaging Technology
Digital Real-Time Imaging Ultrasonometry of the Heel.
CHICAGO- GE Medical Systems has introduced the first bone ultrasound system to provide instantaneous imaging of the heel for assessing osteoporosis. Physicians can now actually see the bone measurement location prior to conducting the measurement itself. Other existing technology relies on a ‘blind’ measurement, which may vary significantly from patient to patient.
Osteoporosis affects over 30 million people in the U.S. Hip fractures, the most serious consequence of osteoporosis, occur in 1 out of 6 women. Half of hip fracture patients never fully recover from their fracture, often requiring long-term nursing home care. Up to 24% of hip fracture patients die within a year of the fracture.
“The principle limitation of bone ultrasound systems has been that the measurement is blind. The shape and dimensions of the heels can vary greatly and you cannot be sure what you are measuring in some patients,” said James E. Dowd, M.D, Rheumatologist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Michigan State University. “The Achilles InSight displays a live image immediately before the measurement. This gives us the assurance that we are measuring the proper region of interest.”
The Lunar Achilles InSight bone ultrasonometer was introduced this week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). “The Achilles InSight is the world’s first commercial ultrasound system to use such advanced technology”, said Rich Morris, Manager of Ultrasonometry Research and Development at GE Medical Systems Lunar. “We use a 2-dimensional array of 600 elements to digitally capture waveforms in real-time”. A major benefit of the solid-state 2-D array is that there are no moving transducers, which degrade the ability to make precise quantitative bone measurements.
The Achilles InSight with 2-D imaging is the latest generation of GE ultrasonometry products. Over 5,000 Achilles systems have been installed worldwide. The Achilles ultrasonometers measure the bone quality of the heel using sound waves. Results are used to indicate osteoporotic fracture risk, aid diagnosis, and monitor therapy. Heel measurements using ultrasound have been shown by researchers to accurately predict osteoporotic fractures at the hip and spine, and forearm.
About GE Medical Systems
GE Medical Systems is an $8 billion global leader in medical information and technology. Its offerings include networking and productivity tools, clinical information systems, patient monitoring systems, conventional and digital X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), ultrasound and bone densitometry, positron emission tomography (PET), and nuclear medicine. For more than 100 years, health care providers worldwide have relied on GE Medical Systems for high-quality medical technology, services, and productivity solutions. For more information, visit the GE Medical Systems Web site at gemedical.com.
By using our site or downloading materials from the site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Click above to review those policies. If you do not agree, do not use the site or download any materials from it.
