Final NICE diagnostic guidance on the EOS 2D/3D X-ray imaging system calls for the system’s health benefits to be further investigated in clinical research settings.

The new system (pictured) from US company EOS Imaging uses low-dose radiation imaging to produce 2D X-ray images and 3D reconstructions for bones.

Its innovative slot-scan technology, scanning a line at a time rather than taking the entire image at once, enables it to produce upright and weight-bearing whole-body images.

By showing relationships between the spine, hip, pelvis and knees, the EOS system could particularly benefit the monitoring and treatment of patients with spinal deformities or alignment problems.

The system’s reduced dose also offers potential safety advantages in the repeated imaging of patients with spinal deformities, especially children.

The new guidance encourages the use of the 2D/3D imaging system in specialist research settings to collect evidence about clinical benefits associated with weight-bearing whole-body imaging and 3D reconstruction.

Professor Carole Longson, Director of the NICE Health Technology Evaluation Centre, said: “The EOS 2D/3D imaging system was identified by the Diagnostics Advisory Committee as an important emerging technology. There is evidence showing comparable or better images and radiation dose reduction associated with using the EOS system to image patients with spinal deformities.”

However, she said, there is currently no evidence that compares the diagnostic accuracy of the EOS system with that of conventional radiological examinations. “NICE will follow up the Diagnostics Advisory Committee’s research recommendations on the EOS 2D/3D system and will assess the feasibility of this research with a view to facilitating the development of further relevant evidence.”

Full data sets evaluating the system’s benefits will trace the outcome of its use from planning through to complex surgeries such as hip replacements.

Marie Meynadier, CEO of EOS Imaging, said: “The EOS 2D/3D imaging system is subject to an extensive programme of research associating radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons. We will provide data to NICE as they are established to determine when a cost-effectiveness review based on this evidence would be appropriate.”

The new external assessment centres recently announced by NICE will help to develop and facilitate research products to assist suppliers when NICE medical technology or diagnostics guidance recommends it.

The first surgical instrumentation system designed for minimally invasive 3D correction of complex spinal deformities has been launched worldwide.

The VIPER 3D MIS Correction Set from DePuy Spine, a Johnson & Johnson company, consists of devices and instruments for a range of correction processes.

The system’s focus on minimally invasive surgery (MIS) promises to reduce infection rates and hospital stay times compared with open surgery.

3D spinal corrections are used to treat complex medical conditions such as adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) by aligning an abnormally curved spine. At present, most of these procedures require open surgery.

The new set includes devices for 360-degree correction; sagittal alignment and derotation; and orientation at individual levels. It can be fitted with any combination of bone screws in an MIS or open setting, enabling surgeons to customise the technique according to patient needs.

Praveen Mummaneni, MD, one of DePuy Spine’s design consultants, said: “The VIPER 3D Set makes performing complex corrections through small incisions less challenging and should help surgeons offer the minimally invasive option to more patients.”

“DePuy Spine continues to work to develop minimally invasive surgical devices and instruments that are intuitive and versatile to better help surgeons adopt the technique for appropriate spinal pathologies,” commented Namal Nawana, Worldwide President of DePuy Spine.

The VIPER 3D Set has received the 2011 Edison Best New Product Award for innovation in the medical and scientific category. It has also won a J&J award, the Johnson Medal, for innovation, patient impact and perseverance in ensuring the success of a product.