Most physicians today have access to a variety of imaging systems to help diagnose an illness or injury. What these systems have in common is they produce images of static anatomic structures that are not in motion. But, what if doctors had access to imaging that shows a joint moving or lungs expanding? Therein lies the beauty of Digital Dynamic Radiography (DDR). It allows physicians to see what is happening like never before.
What is Digital Dynamic Radiography (DDR)?
Dynamic Digital Radiography is a new technology that allows doctors to see anatomical structures in motion using an X-ray machine. The DDR machine captures a series of X-rays that are played back like a short movie. DDR is X-ray imaging that moves and gives physicians a new way to view what’s going on inside our bodies.
Benefits of DDR
With a whole new view of structures, DDR allows doctors to diagnose patients with a new level of speed and accuracy. That’s why manufacturers are calling DDR the next generation of X-ray technology. A few reasons why DDR is highly beneficial to clinicians:
Limitless Possibilities
There are virtually limitless possibilities for how physicians can use DDR to diagnose thoracic and orthopedic conditions—whether it’s an injured ankle, assessing spine stability or getting to the bottom of reduced lung function. Dynamic imaging helps assess joints, internal organs, and extremities in motion.
Low Dose Radiation
With DDR, patients are exposed to a low dose of radiation, comparable to going to the beach on a sunny day or what one might experience during an average fluoroscopy exam.
Fast Procedure
In less than a minute, DDR can produce up to 20 seconds of physiological movement with a simple acquisition. The procedure can be performed by radiology staff without the need for a physician to be present.
Convenient & Versatile
DDR systems are capable of performing all standard X-rays, and images can be taken while the patient is standing, seated, or on a table. Each sequential radiograph can be viewed individually, allowing you to observe the physiological cycle as a cycle of images.
Medical Specialities that Benefit From DDR
Because DDR systems are designed to help capture the body in motion, there are certain medical specialties that can benefit from using Dynamic Digital Radiography imaging equipment to help understand and diagnose their patients better.
Orthopedics
Orthopedics use DDR as a way to understand a patient’s range of motion and get a better view of where their patients may have mobility issues. A great benefit of DDR compared to film x-ray imaging, is that DDR shows a range of movement not only within the skeletal system but with soft tissues as well.
Pulmonology
Dynamic Digital Radiography is used by pulmonologists to get a better view of the respiratory system to understand a patient’s breathing. DDR can also provide a bigger picture view of the whole respiratory system when other imaging options cannot.
Digital Radiography Technology From Imperial Imaging
Imperial Imaging is proud to offer a full range of medical imaging equipment to customers nationwide, including the latest DDR systems like the Konica KDR-AU and the Konica Minolta KDR Flex. Call 678-733-9990 to speak with an imaging expert, or contact us to discuss imaging solutions that best fit your needs.