The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has expanded its diagnostic toolkit to include EOS imaging, a newly FDA-approved technology that produces superior quality 3-D images with reduced radiation exposure to patients.

EOS, an ultra-low dose imaging system recently installed in the Division of Orthopedics at CHOP, provides full-body scans of patients in natural standing positions. The technology produces high-quality, detailed images that enable accurate diagnosis and more informed treatment decisions.

Benefits of EOS imaging include:

  • Reduced radiation dose
    EOS delivers a radiation dose that is 2 to 3 times less than a general computed radiography X-ray and 20 times less than basic computed tomography (CT) scans. Reducing radiation dose is particularly beneficial for pediatric patients who need to be imaged frequently, such as patients with spinal deformities like scoliosis. Repeated testing over time allows orthopedic physicians to better monitor the child’s condition and determine the best course of treatment and when — or if — surgical intervention is needed.
  • Better diagnostics and image accuracy
    Unlike most imaging that is captured when a patient is lying on a table, EOS scans patients in an upright, standing position enabling physicians to evaluate balance and posture and analyze the bones, joints, and ligaments from multiple angles. Full-body 3-D imaging enables clinicians to image the entire body with one image, rather than stitching together multiple images, providing a more accurate view of the entire musculoskeletal system — an essential part of diagnosis and treatment planning.

EOS is not the best imaging choice for all children or all conditions. For example, EOS is typically not used for injuries or conditions that can be evaluated with general radiography, such as broken bones in the arms, legs, hands, or feet. Traditional X-rays are still the standard of care for diagnosing these injuries.

Along with EOS and X-ray, CHOP offers a wealth of imaging options including CT scans, MRI, bone scans, and ultrasound. CHOP’s world-renowned orthopedic physicians work with expert pediatric radiologists to determine the best imaging modality to meet each child’s unique needs. CHOP has set the standards for safety in reducing patients’ exposure to radiation across all imaging tests and procedures. EOS is another tool that enables us to provide the best imaging services while reinforcing our commitment to safety and low-dose imaging options for our patients.