Physicians have tested over 1, 000 patients with the Vertebral Motion Analysis (VMA) system since its limited commercial launch in 2013. Produced by Ortho Kinematics, Inc., the VMA is an automated, diagnostic alternative to the current test for assessing spinal instability, according to a company press release.
1, 000 Spines Tested on VMA System
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Company officials define spinal instability as a condition that can cause severe back and neck pain. They say that it is the number one most common primary diagnosis driving the 500, 000 or more spine fusion surgeries done in the U.S. each year and that clinical studies have shown that this instability may be missed by the older, current test.
Ortho Kinematics CEO Paul Gunnoe said, “Spine surgeons are talking with their actions and prescribing the VMA. They recognize the value of the diagnostic insights they receive from the VMA.”
Gunnoe added that the company is focused on rolling out the VMA as quickly as possible so that all patients and surgeons have access to this technology. Ortho Kinematics, a privately held diagnostic technology company focused on spine imaging, is located in Austin, Texas.
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This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
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