Optical System Reconstructs Virtual 3D Spinal Column

A novel diagnostic system offers stereo-radiographic imaging and three dimensional (3D) modeling tools particularly suited to orthopedic applications.

The Biomod 3S system uses noninvasive optical information technology that is combined with classic two-dimensional (2D) radiographic images of the spine to yield a virtually reconstructed 3D model of the vertebral column that can provide clinicians with complete view of the patient’s spine. This allows a thorough and accurate evaluation of spinal deformities in diverse pathologies, such as scoliosis, kyphosis, vertebral compression, posture and balance anomalies, and dorsopathy, among others.


The optical acquisition is realized simultaneously with frontal and sagittal full spine X-rays obtained from an existing radiological set-up, and therefore does not require any change in clinical routine or increased radiation exposure. Patented software performs an automatic correction of patient’s sway during acquisition, thus providing a complete evaluation of the spine and the posture in a minimum time input, with an average spinal reconstruction taking about five minutes. The Biomod 3S system was developed by AXS Medical, a division of Diagnostic Medical Systems (DMS; Mauguio, France).

The technology has also been adopted by Toshiba Medical Systems Europe (TMSE) for OrthoMod 3D spinal imaging technology in order to provide information on rotations and twists in the spine that are not possible to evaluate in a traditional 2D setup. Before OrthoMod 3D, getting 3D information usually meant relying on a supplemental computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which implied further radiation exposure.

“The new spinal imaging solution is extremely accessible and it can be easily integrated into an existing R/F or RAD suite equipped with digital full spine,” said René Degros, business unit manager for X-Ray with TMSE. “It is particularly suited for practices focusing on radiology, pediatrics, orthopedics, and ambulatory surgery.”

Related Links:
Diagnostic Medical Systems
Toshiba Medical Systems Europe