Scientists unveil new spinal injury scanning methodRSS Feed

Scientists in the US say that a new way of scanning spinal injuries could eliminate the need for carrying out x-rays of the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine.

The technique, known as CT spine reformatting, is more cost-effective and can lower the level of radiation exposure for the patient, according to a study to be presented at the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) 2010 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California.

Researchers at the University of Calgary's Foothills Medical Centre found that 19 per cent of patients in their sample who had reformatted CT data showing the spine, also had x-rays of the same segment of the spine.

"The x-rays provided no additional information, and in fact, some of these fractures were not seen on the x-rays," said Viesha Ciura, lead author of the study.

Separate research published in the journal Science Translational Medicine has suggested that people with spinal cord injuries may be able to avoid paralysis if the action of a single gene is shut down.

Lead researcher Marc Simard of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and his team discovered that shutting down the Abcc8 gene boosted long-term recovery in mice with spinal injuries.

Serious Law, award winning spinal injury law firm

SMA early detection may assist treatment

07 May 2010

New research may assist doctors in detecting spinal injury in unborn infants.Screening methods that enable doctors to spot signs of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) early on could allow parents to treat symptoms...

Read More...

Phil Vickery in 'remarkable' comeback from spinal injury

04 May 2010

Rugby union star Phil Vickery's latest comeback from spinal injury has been described as "remarkable".That was the verdict of Wasps boss Tony Hanks after the British Lions prop started his first...

Read More...

Spinal Injuries Association set for fish and chip fundraiser

04 May 2010

People across the country will be tucking into a fish and chip supper later this month as part of an effort to raise funds for the Spinal Injuries Assocation (SIA).The Great British Fish and Chip Supper...

Read More...