OSMIA is a technique using video-fluoroscopy for quantifying intervertebral motion during examinations of the spine that has been developed by the IMRCI. For this exam, the ARCADIS Avantic’s fluoroscopic tube unit is centered to the mid-lumbar region or mid-cervical region and records images at a rate of 15 frames per second while the patient’s torso is moved through a predetermined range of motion. These images are individually extracted from the fluoro-loop and statistically analyzed by the IMRCI experts to try and quantify the biomechanics of spinal linkages in patients, helping to determine the causes of back pain.

The ARCADIS Avantic’s Fluoro Loop playback feature allows images obtained during examination to be replayed immediately after the examination stops. The vast storage capacity of the system enables up to 60,000 images to be stored, with each individual patient’s DICOM loops containing up to 300 frames. The IMRCI hopes that with further research, OSMIA will become a future tool in the field of health technology methods in the diagnosis of mechanical causes of spinal pain. “The Avantic fulfils many of the specific requirements we need from a mobile C-arm in order to assist us with our project,” said Alan Breen, Professor of Musculoskeletal Health Care at the IMRCI. Lynn Blackburn, Special Products Manager at Siemens Healthcare in the UK, added, “Lower back pain afflicts most people at some stage in their lives and can be debilitating to daily routines. We are therefore particularly pleased that the capability of the ARCADIS Avantic is helping with such innovative research in the chiropractic field.” The system supports nearly all DICOM 3.0 functionalities and offers almost unlimited options for archiving and documentation with CD, DVD, and USB. The system features an Enhanced Acquisition System (EASY) that automatically analyses images during acquisition to optimize dose, brightness, and contrast for excellent clarity and smooth workflow.