A pioneering orthopaedic research direct Digital Radiography system (dDR), the ‘Adora RSA’, has been officially opened by actress, author and osteoporosis campaigner Susan Hampshire OBE at Aberdeen University.
Xograph Healthcare, the leading independent supplier of diagnostic imaging equipment in the UK and Republic of Ireland helped facilitate the design and construction of this state-of the-art system through collaboration with Aberdeen University, Danish manufacturer Nordisk Røntgen Teknik and market-leading direct Digital Radiography pioneer Canon Inc.
During her visit, Susan Hampshire spoke to members of staff at Aberdeen University and listened intently as they discussed how ‘Adora RSA’ will greatly assist researchers performing radiostereometric analysis (RSA). This technique is a precise method for determining the migration and wear of orthopaedic implants such as hip and other joint replacements. Two simultaneous X-rays exposures are performed with images being captured on flat panel Canon dDR detectors. The resulting images are analysed using software developed by Mr Martin Downing, Research Physicist for Aberdeen University’s RSA Centre. The software determines the three-dimensional movements of parts of the body, such as bone fracture components, in relation to one another, or a surgical implant in relation to the host anatomy. The information gathered from RSA demonstrates precisely how much positional change has occurred for example since implantation of a prosthesis. This may help predict how long implants will last. RSA will also benefit future patients by providing important data to help researchers improve joint replacement technology and surgery.
‘Adora RSA’, tailored to Aberdeen university researchers exacting requirements, is causing quite a stir in the field of radiostereometric analysis and other pioneering authorities in this area of research have expressed an interest in visiting this revolutionary new system for themselves. Whilst other specialist RSA centres are using more traditional forms of technology, Aberdeen University is the world’s first that uses a purpose-built direct digital RSA imaging technology generating high quality digital images that can be viewed just three seconds after exposure.
Mr Downing said, “We have been using film based RSA in clinical studies for 10 years. Critically this technology will allow us to improve the accuracy of the technique by removing irregular errors inherent in film or CR methods. In addition, this system provides a major simplification to the set up for the radiographer, improving throughput and reliability. Consequently we will gain faster and more powerful results, leading to improved assessment in the healing of broken bones and joint replacement surgery.
Mr Paddy Ashcroft, Senior Lecturer at Aberdeen University and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with NHS Grampian, said, “This new equipment and x-ray room has exceeded our expectations. Xograph played a key role in identifying potential collaborators and in co-coordinating development. They have supervised its exceptional quality and installation with Modus Building Services and NRT have produced a world leading system which puts Aberdeen at the forefront of RSA research with huge potential benefit to patients. We hope to continue working with our collaborators to further develop the system in the long-term.”
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