Invention Improves Quality of Hip MRI
The unique curved structure of the hip joint presents a diagnostic challenge. Injuries like tears in the acetabular labrum and defects along the thick ring of cartilage surrounding the hip socket can be painful and difficult to image. Musculoskeletal radiologist Felix M. Gonzalez, MD, turned to his colleague David Reiter, PhD, a medical imaging scientist specializing in MRI applications, for help. Together, they developed a device that uses traction to painlessly open the hip socket during MR imaging so the radiologist can see the entire labrum and surrounding structures, which increases the diagnostic value of radiology reports.
“This really pushes the edge of science forward for the patients’ benefit,” says Dr. Gonzalez.
The design emerged after consulting Kyle Hammond, MD, Emory sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon. With departmental seed grant funding, the team enlisted the help of Mohamed Islam, PhD, a biomedical engineering graduate from Georgia Tech working in Reiter’s lab, to design and fabricate a prototype that was MRI-compatible, patient-safe, and could apply different amounts of force depending on patient size. The team is awaiting news about its patent application.
The clinical value of their invention is significant, especially for the elite athletes who come to Emory for surgical care. The more precise the MR imaging is, the more effectively the surgeon can prepare to repair defects with minimal impact on surrounding tissues.
“It’s a great example of Emory Radiology’s approach to team science,” says Dr. Reiter. “Being embedded in the Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging creates opportunities for bi-directional communication between research and clinical practice, allowing for collaborative imaging innovation.”
“This really pushes the edge of science forward for the patients’ benefit,” says Dr. Gonzalez.
The design emerged after consulting Kyle Hammond, MD, Emory sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon. With departmental seed grant funding, the team enlisted the help of Mohamed Islam, PhD, a biomedical engineering graduate from Georgia Tech working in Reiter’s lab, to design and fabricate a prototype that was MRI-compatible, patient-safe, and could apply different amounts of force depending on patient size. The team is awaiting news about its patent application.
The clinical value of their invention is significant, especially for the elite athletes who come to Emory for surgical care. The more precise the MR imaging is, the more effectively the surgeon can prepare to repair defects with minimal impact on surrounding tissues.
“It’s a great example of Emory Radiology’s approach to team science,” says Dr. Reiter. “Being embedded in the Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging creates opportunities for bi-directional communication between research and clinical practice, allowing for collaborative imaging innovation.”