Frequently Asked Questions About DMX
 

What is DMX?

Digital Motion X-Ray (DMX) is simply a new type of fluoro-based x-ray system, coupled with new digital and optic technology, allowing clinicians to view the spine in real-time motion at 30 x-rays per second. The procedure is performed with the patient standing and actively moving in a weight-bearing position within the system.

Single Frame of a Motion X-Ray

Don’t flexion-extension X-Rays show all ligamentous injuries?

We are taught in school that cervical flexion/extension x-rays were all we needed to rule out ligamentous injury. The truth is, these x-rays are taken during one arc of motion, at end points. This evaluates only 2 of the 22 major ligaments of the cervical spine. DMX allows us to evaluate all 22 major ligaments of the cervical spine with 2,700 x-ray images. The only two ligaments the flexion/extension x-rays may detect if patient positioning is proper, are the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments. The ligaments that are not diagnosed are the:

• Right and left alar ligaments
• Right and left accessory ligaments
• Transverse ligament
• Five right capsular ligaments
• Five left capsular ligaments
• Five interspinous ligaments
   

What is the difference between a DMX and an MRI?

DMX is simply a new type of x-ray system that allows the clinician to take x-rays while the patient moves in a standing weight-bearing position. DMX evaluates the bones in motion allowing us to detect which specific ligaments have been injured. If you hurt more when you move, then you must be diagnosed while you move.

MRI of the cervical spine is designed to evaluate disc injuries while not moving, lying down, and not swallowing. The symptoms of a cervical disc injury are usually numbness and tingling in the upper extremities. The upper 30% of the spine and posterior aspect of the spine contain no discs, just ligaments. Headaches and posterior neck pain are commonly caused by stretched ligament injuries which cannot be detected by MRI.
 

What is the radiation exposure?

The DMX system can produce 2,700 x-ray images with the same amount of radiation as a standard x-ray machine, which gives you 6 static x-rays.
 

Does insurance cover this type of procedure?

We follow a simple rule: If the insurance company reimburses you for static x-rays, there is no reason why they wouldn’t reimburse you for an x-ray that moves.
 

How does DMX help attorneys settle cases?

DMX provides “demonstrable” or “observable” evidence of the injury. This is the reason why insurers are fearful of this technology because it shows the injury.
 

How does Digital Motion X-Ray improve patient care?

It let's you see the injury in ways you've never seen it before. Hidden injuries are revealed, helping you design a more effective treatment plan for your patient based on a more complete diagnosis.