What Digital Motion X-ray is NOT:
There is some confusion with some doctors, attorneys and patients that can easily be cleared up on this page. Because Digital motion X-ray (DMX) is a Flouro based imaging device, some have thought of it as the same as Video Fluoroscopy or VF. Some doctors are reluctant to order a DMX because they think it is the same as VF. While the principles are similar in how it captures images, there is some significant differences. These differences are the exact reason why you do want a DMX ordered. The video below is from the developer of the DMX explaining the differences between VF and DMX.
As you will see, DMX is a low radiation imaging that is able to capture motion just like VF only with a small fraction of the radiation. In fact less radiation than normal x-rays. Also, DMX is able to capture the details of motion that would normally be washed out on VF. Clearly DMX is the Best choice for capturing symptoms in the act using motion imaging not available anywhere else.
As you will see, DMX is a low radiation imaging that is able to capture motion just like VF only with a small fraction of the radiation. In fact less radiation than normal x-rays. Also, DMX is able to capture the details of motion that would normally be washed out on VF. Clearly DMX is the Best choice for capturing symptoms in the act using motion imaging not available anywhere else.
What about Motion MRI, isn't that better than x-rays or motion x-rays?
Sadly motion MRI is attempting to do what DMX is actually doing - create a motion image to see what the injury would do in motion. The problem is, this is a computer animation of what is assumed the injury is doing in motion, not actually what it is doing in motion. MRI's are amazing in the detail that is captured and has its place when it comes to diagnostic imaging of pathology. When it comes to catching images "in the act", MRIs are still a static image and cannot achieve this.
It is true that MRIs can see ligamentous tissue that x-ray technology cannot. Let me ask you, why do we want to see the ligament? Isn't it to see if its torn? if so, why do we want to know that? It's highly likely that what we really want to know is if the function of that ligament has been compromised. After all, it is what holds the joints together right? What happens if the ligament does not tear, but becomes over stretched? Unfortunately, the instability of that joint will be the same as if it were torn. Since MRIs are static, they will not like see an overstretched ligament leading to a "normal" diagnosis on an abnormal moving joint. That is what is called; Alteration of motion segment integrity or AOMSI, a permanent injury that prevents that joint from ever being the same again. This injury almost always gets missed on most imaging. DMX was designed for this purpose - to catch the injury in motion. Why assume the facts, when you can get them first hand. DMX is the best tool for that job. Watch this video below and you will see another reason why MRI will miss 30% of what goes on in the neck.
It is true that MRIs can see ligamentous tissue that x-ray technology cannot. Let me ask you, why do we want to see the ligament? Isn't it to see if its torn? if so, why do we want to know that? It's highly likely that what we really want to know is if the function of that ligament has been compromised. After all, it is what holds the joints together right? What happens if the ligament does not tear, but becomes over stretched? Unfortunately, the instability of that joint will be the same as if it were torn. Since MRIs are static, they will not like see an overstretched ligament leading to a "normal" diagnosis on an abnormal moving joint. That is what is called; Alteration of motion segment integrity or AOMSI, a permanent injury that prevents that joint from ever being the same again. This injury almost always gets missed on most imaging. DMX was designed for this purpose - to catch the injury in motion. Why assume the facts, when you can get them first hand. DMX is the best tool for that job. Watch this video below and you will see another reason why MRI will miss 30% of what goes on in the neck.