A closer examination

NeuroSwing is a new positioning and movement system for dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MR) examinations of the cervical spine.

Hightech Electronic developed the system in co-operation with Siemens Medical Solutions. The continuously variable, smooth movements of the NeuroSwing for the first time enable dynamic MR acquisitions of the cervical spine to be performed in anteflexion, retroflexion, lateral flexion, and rotation, either separately or in combination.

According to Siemens, NeuroSwing provides the ability to perform dynamic imaging of the cervical spine in daily routine diagnostics. All cervical spine movements relevant to the examination can be realised with a single device, without retrofitting or repositioning the patient. As a result, lesions or functional limitations near the cervical spine can be detected quickly and easily.

A pneumatic drive enables continuously variable, smooth movements, which can be performed outside the MR system via remote control. A standardised examination process provides reproducible results in an examination time of less than ten minutes. Integrated surface coils ensure examinations of high spatial and temporal resolution in every position.

Approximately 30 percent of all MR examinations are neurological and orthopaedic acquisitions of the cervical spine. In contrast to static images, acquisitions of the cervical spine in motion and functional examinations were difficult to perform. Study results have shown that 50 percent of all lesions can only be displayed correctly in dynamic examinations, during motion or in multiple, varied positions. One of every ten static examinations produces no results.