Technology & Expertise

Complex studies of spine treatments require precise, quantitative methods to objectively document the treatment effects.  We offer a variety of validated tools and techniques to facilitate these evaluations.

Quantitative Motion Analysis (QMA®)

Our proprietary Quantitative Motion Analysis (QMA®) software produces high-precision measurements of intervertebral motion from spinal radiographs.  Attributes of the QMA® software include:

  • FDA 510(k)-cleared
  • Used in numerous trials of FDA-approved implants, including several “firsts to market”
  • Validated to produce measurements accurate to within 0.5 deg and 0.5 mm
  • At least four times more accurate than conventional measurement techniques
  • Verified for accuracy and reproducibility in six independent, peer-reviewed scientific studies
  • Shown to increase observer reliability for common visual assessments through a proprietary visualization technique known as Feature StabilizationTM
  • Cited in over 150 peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations
  • Widely regarded as the “gold standard” for quantitative image analysis in spine clinical trials
  • Used to compile authoritative databases and reference data on normal spine kinematics

Quantitative Computed Tomography (qCT)

We provide specialized expertise in quantitative methods for CT image processing, including:

  • Quantitative assessment of bone density using specialized imaging phantoms
  • Volumetric analysis of spine fusion and the extent of new bone formation
  • Objective structural assessment of spinal fusion mass
  • Vertebral fracture risk prediction
  • Analysis of structural consequences of bone defects
  • Quantitative analysis of bone removal and decompression
  • Advanced image registration for visualization and quantification of treatment effects
  • Pre-clinical (micro-CT) analysis of vertebral porosity, morphology and interdigitation of cement

Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging  (qMRI)

We offer specialized techniques for quantitative analysis of MRI exams, including:

  • Quantitative analysis of disc signal intensity changes on a continuous scale
  • T1ρ relaxation mapping to assess macromolecular content and “disc health”
  • T2 relaxation mapping to assess changes in tissue hydration
  • Morphologic analysis of the annulus, nucleus and other cartilaginous tissues
  • Analysis of injected material, including changes in position and volume over time
  • Quantitative analysis of central canal and neuroforaminal dimensions from positional MRI
  • Measurement of changes in soft tissue volume using specialized 3D MRI sequences