A new "fire eye" for checking the whole body skeleton! The first in the province's public hospitals

Recently, the Department of Orthopedics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine has launched a super-cool "black technology" device - the whole-body skeleton three-dimensional modeling and imaging system (EOS).

This magical scanner, just like the ones in science fiction movies, usually only takes 15 to 20 seconds to "see through" the entire skeleton of the human body. No bone disease can escape its "eagle eyes".

This is the first and only one in a public hospital in Zhejiang Province!

Medical staff are using new equipment to scan the bones of patients

What is EOS?

Although it sounds like a celebrity group, as the name suggests, the whole body skeleton 3D modeling imaging system (EOS) is used to achieve 3D imaging of the whole body or local skeleton.

It is based on the Nobel Prize in Physics high-energy gas particle detector imaging technology. As the world's first device that combines gas particle detectors and 0.5mm linear slit scanning technology, it can complete precise and clear three-dimensional imaging with extremely low radiation doses in an extremely short time (usually only tens of seconds).

First, a full-body scan gives you a clear view. X-rays that take about 2 minutes, CT scans that take about 5 minutes, or MR scans that take about 10 minutes are mainly for local examinations, just like "blind men touching an elephant". Understanding the overall skeletal condition of the whole body requires taking anteroposterior and lateral images from head to toe and then "putting the puzzle together". EOS is like a high-speed panoramic camera that can complete a full-body scan in as fast as 5 seconds. A three-dimensional image of the whole body skeleton can be obtained in one examination, which allows a comprehensive understanding of the bone condition and greatly reduces the time patients have to travel for appointments and wait for examinations.

Secondly, radiation is reduced, safe and secure. Although X-rays are also used as the imaging basis, under the premise of ensuring imaging quality, the X-ray dose required in the low-dose mode is 50% lower than that of traditional DR and 95% lower than that of traditional CT, which is only equivalent to the radiation in the natural environment for one week. For children and patients who need multiple follow-up examinations, there is no need to worry about "taking" too much radiation.

Finally, intelligent analysis is reliable. After general bone examination, the "film" is a two-dimensional paper image, while EOS can provide a stereoscopic visualization of three-dimensional bone models from any perspective. It helps clinicians to conduct more accurate pathological analysis of patients' spine, pelvis and lower limb joint deformities, and to see all the hidden dangers of bone fractures and bone cancer at a glance. It can also make accurate diagnoses from the perspective of the overall posture balance of the whole body skeleton, preoperative planning, postoperative evaluation, etc., to accurately attack and reduce the dimensionality of the disease.

Compared with traditional bone examination methods, this is simply an improvement from "bicycle" to "motorcycle".

In what situations is this inspection necessary?

The application range of EOS is very wide, covering almost all bone-related diseases.

1. Spinal deformities such as scoliosis and kyphosis

2. Bone diseases such as fractures and osteoporosis

3. Postoperative evaluation of joint replacement

4. Adolescent growth and development monitoring

In addition to patients who need disease diagnosis, patients who are in high-risk groups can choose EOS as a tumor screening method to detect abnormal changes in bones in a timely manner through regular scans. Other friends who are not at high risk can just do a regular physical examination every year.

So the question is, is this test expensive?

The cost of EOS examination varies depending on the scanned area and scope, ranging from dozens to hundreds, and all items are covered by medical insurance.

The examination process is also very simple. After the orthopedic doctor of Zhejiang University First Hospital issues the examination form, you can go to the EOS examination room for an appointment and examination.

Although the equipment is scarce, with no more than ten units in the country, only the Zhejiang University First Hospital Chengzhan Campus has one among all the public hospitals in Zhejiang Province.

What are the situations where EOS inspection is not suitable?

Although EOS has many advantages, it is not suitable for everyone. If you are in the following three situations, you should consider it carefully:

1. Pregnant and lactating women

2. Those who are allergic or extremely sensitive to X-rays

3. Young children and patients who cannot maintain a stable standing posture.

Before the examination, be sure to tell your doctor about your physical condition and allergy history to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the examination.