A robot for Orthopaedics to take X-ray videos

23 January 2006
MUMBAI, INDIA

A robot which can take X-ray pictures of people with orthopaedic injuries has been developed by a scientist. The US-based scientist’s invention can take pictures even while the victims are on the move. 

The invention assumes significance as the maximum number of patients visiting the doctors is assumed to be people with such injuries. 

In complicated cases where surgeons need and use static X-rays, MRI and CT scans and some times X-ray videos, the new robot would be of immense value. Available technologies only permit a sketchy view of a limited range of motions. 

Mechanical and aerospace engineer Scott Banks of the University of Florida is the man behind the robot. 
The unnamed robot can shoot X-ray video of sufferers of orthopaedic injuries as they walk, stand up and even climb stairs. Pictures can be taken even when victims are swinging a bat.

Medical experts are of opinion that X-rays, MRI and CT scans may not be effective in cases where injuries manifest only while a joint is in motion. The injuries that can happen to the patella or knee cap and shoulder injuries are of this type. 

Many of these are diagnosed after painful and unnecessary operations and most often the surgeons are unable to convince the patients on the success of the operation, or whether process can prevent any further damage, unless the patients themselves are well aware of the pros and cons. 

The robot’s role becomes important in the diagnosis part. The two robots of this diagnosing system will stand complementary to each other - one, by shooting the X-ray video and the other by holding the image sensor for clear and accurate diagnosis. The movements of a person’s knee, shoulder or any other joint can be shadowed and examined in detail. 

Although, the robots are static and are attached to a fixed base with enough space for a person to move around in its diagnosable reach. And the future will hold much space and time for accurate diagnosis with such robots.