Americans spend at least $50 billion per year on low back pain. Hardly surprising when you consider that as many as 80 percent of American adults suffer from low back pain at some point during their lives. That number is expected to increase as our population ages and obesity rises.
Although back pain is common, it can be difficult for physicians to determine the exact cause of the pain using current testing methods. X-rays are frequently used to diagnose back pain, but according to a 2007 study published in the journal Musculoskeletal Disorders, X-rays give inconclusive results in about 85 percent of cases.
Austin, Texas-based Ortho Kinematics seeks to replace the conventional X-ray spine function test in the U.S. The Austin, Texas-based company has developed a new test, called the KineGraph VMA (Vertebral Motion Analyzer), to capture fluoroscopic images of the spine in motion. The system’s Motion Normalizer device bends the patient’s trunk through a range of motion, while hundreds of fluoroscopic images of the trunk are taken. Image recognition software locates the vertebrae on each frame. According to company estimates, the KineGraph VMA system could generate more than $500 million in annual revenues in the U.S.
Ortho Kinematics is currently conducting a multi-center clinical trial to assess the diagnostic capability of the KineGraph VMA. A previous study conducted in the UK suggested that the KineGraph VMA may produce more accurate results than other testing methods.
Ortho Kinematics is one of the scheduled presenters at the OneMedForum San Francisco, to take place January 11-13, 2011. The conference will bring together a roster of hand-selected, innovative life sciences companies. Please visit http://www.onemedplace.com/forum to learn more about the conference.