Conventional MRI centers image a patient lying down in non-weight-bearing state. In this position, the body is not under the normal stress that gravity creates. Accordingly, some problems (pathology) are hidden. Kinetic Imaging™ has several advantages that allow it to more accurately evaluate human anatomy.

First and foremost, our scanners permit Gravitic Imaging™ in weight-bearing positions (either standing up or sitting), which can reveal abnormalities that were missed by a conventional MRI study.

Secondly, through innovative design, Positional Scanning™ technology has ample room to evaluate patients in positions that are impossible to assume in a conventional MRI. This allows us to perform flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotational studies which, when compared to the neutral position, can often expose critical information that leads to a more accurate diagnosis.

Finally, our professional reading group has the unique experience and technology to render Precision-Based Interpretation™ (Pi™). Pi is a sophisticated process that meticulously rules out any abnormalities, quantifies anatomical anomalies with biomechanical analysis, and provides the referring physician with reports that actually contain key images annotated with measurements.

For all these reasons, Kinetic Imaging delivers diagnostic studies that are far superior to conventional MRI.

Permanent disability is potentially devastating for the patient and comes with significant economic consequences for all parties involved. Fortunately, the A.M.A. has created extremely detailed guidelines to evaluate these patients fairly and assign an appropriate permanent disability rating. In fact, the latest revision of the A.M.A. guidelines aims to help physicians generate the most accurate and holistic picture of a patient's functional abilities.

These new guidelines are so comprehensive that they raise significant concerns regarding their actual implementation. For example, musculoskeletal disability ratings can be provided by physical examination, but such an endeavor consumes an inordinate amount of time to effectively meet the guidelines set forth by the A.M.A. Moreover, the exam is performed with an inclinometer - an archaic, cumbersome device that adds an element of subjectivity when used by an inexperienced examiner.

Radiological evaluation can be used to generate impairment ratings that not only meet A.M.A. guidelines, but also produce results that are more accurate and consistent than physical examination. Although MRI is the ideal modality to evaluate bones, joints, and soft tissue injury, conventional scanners do not permit us to image the patient in positions necessary to assess functional status. Consequently in the past X-Ray has been the mainstay for radiological disability ratings.

Today Kinetic Imaging™ centers have the Gravitic Imaging™ and Positional Scanning™ technology required to render accurate permanent disability ratings. We combine our unique imaging technology with Precision-Based Interpretation™ that meets stringent Kinetic MRI® standards - the most reliable and reproducible method to assess musculoskeletal functionality. All of this lends to permanent disability ratings that are precisely aligned with A.M.A. guidelines and provide objective insight into the patient's actual functional status.

[QUOTE/TESTIMONIAL ELEMENT: SANA KHAN, M.D., Ph.D.]
"Kinetic Imaging takes the guesswork out of executing the A.M.A.'s complex impairment rating system which allows patients to be evaluated fairly and appropriately."
Sana Khan, M.D., Ph.D.Vital Imaging, Inc.

There are several reasons why patients come to a Kinetic Imaging center for a "second opinion." With its inherent limitations traditional scanning does NOT always provide adequate insight into a patient's symptoms. As one might imagine, this can be very frustrating for both the patient and the referring physician.

These patients then come to a Kinetic Imaging center with the hope that our superior technology can provide more information about their problem. Well, we can!

Our Gravitic Imaging™ and Positional Scanning™ capabilities permit a thorough investigation of each patient's complaints by actually examining the patient in the position that elicits symptoms or pain. That is the beauty of Kinetic Imaging's revolutionary scanners - not only are they roomy enough to curtail claustrophobic reactions, but they also allow the patient to be examined in positions we could only dream of in the past.

In fact, when conventional MRIs uncover a problem, they often do not elucidate enough vital information to draw definitive conclusions. This is where we can yield power results by utilizing proprietary anatomical software that assists in both identifying AND QUANTIFYING abnormalities. That's the difference between just knowing that a problem exists and defining the exact dimensions of that problem, understanding whether the problem is clinically significant or not, and determining whether a particular finding is actually relevant to the specific symptoms being evaluated. All these factors lend to a more accurate diagnosis and better patient management.

Absolutely.

While many radiology centers claim to have an "open" MRI they are often employing enclosed scanners that are merely more accommodating than conventional MRIs. The patient is still placed within a chamber for the duration of the scan - it is just a larger chamber with "windows" on either side of the patient. More importantly these "pseudo" open MRIs cannot perform weight bearing or positional scans and often have low magnetic field strength (approximately 0.20 - 0.35 Tesla) that compromises image quality.

Positional Scanning™ is the next evolutionary step. It allows physicians to evaluate anatomical elements under realistic stress and even scans the subject in the exact position that causes them to experience specific symptoms. These new scanners also have a higher magnetic field strength (0.60 Tesla) than pseudo-open MRIs, which is ideal for functional musculoskeletal evaluation.

Finally, Kinetic Imaging™ is a proprietary term which represents the synergistic combination of several revolutionary advances in radiology including Positional Scanning™ and Precision-based Interpretation™ (Pi™). With Kinetic Imaging, each scan is thoroughly analyzed by both board-certified radiologists who are specially trained to read positional scans, and unique software that quantifies anatomical variations that may be clinically significant.

We feature genuinely open scanners that offer a ClearView™ out of the scanner and permit Positional Scanning™. We combines this cutting-edge technology with our professional group's Precision-based Interpretation™ to deliver Kinetic MRIs - the most objective and reproducible diagnostic imaging available today.

Each Kinetic Imaging center is built with next generation technology that is required to perform kMRI® scans. Deploying this state-of-the-art diagnostic hardware consumes extensive resources and time. That is why only a handful of centers have been deployed to date. As the technology becomes more available additional Kinetic Imaging centers will be launched.

Although traveling to a Kinetic Imaging center may take extra effort, the benefits of being evaluated with superior diagnostic technology greatly outweigh any inconvenience the patient may endure. Most of our patients value the optimal care that we provide at our centers. To them, the fact that we provide the very best in medical imaging is all the motivation they need to visit us.

For some patients, however, Kinetic Imaging is the only alternative for one or more of the following reasons:

1. They are extremely claustrophobic and cannot tolerate even pseudo open MRIs.
2. They are too large to fit in a conventional MRI machine.
3. They have been evaluated by conventional MRIs that have not yielded any answers.

To these patients Kinetic Imaging is a haven that they are willing to travel vast distances to get to. Our genuinely open scanning hardware affords the patient a ClearView™ out of the scanner and is capable of virtually eliminating claustrophobic reactions. The scanner’s ultra-openness also accommodates oversized patients who weigh up to 400 lbs. Finally, our commitment to providing Kinetic MRI scans means that each patient receives the most comprehensive evaluation possible. In fact, our reputation for delivering accurate, objective diagnostic reports, has made us a favorite amongst physicians who need a "second opinion scan."

On the day of the exam patients may take all their regular medications and follow their normal dietary regimen. It is important, however, that our patients do NOT wear any metal when they come in for their scan because it can adversely affect MRI image quality. Therefore, we recommend wearing sweat suits ("sweats") because they have little to no metal elements. Also, the patient should remember not to wear any makeup and to notify our staff if you have any tattoos before your exam.

Patients are required to arrive 45 minutes before their scheduled appointment to complete the registration process. At this time the patient also provides us with their MRI request form and any other pertinent medical records.

As the registration process is completed, the patient is escorted to the scanner room. Electronic and magnetic items are vulnerable to significant damage by the MRI machine and we caution everyone to make sure all watches, credit cards, cell phones, and hearing aids are removed and safely stowed in a patient locker before entering the scanner room.

An MRI technologist positions the patient in the scanner and ensures that he or she is as comfortable as possible; because once the study is initiated any movement can compromise the images that are captured. Once the scan has commenced, our patients generally close their eyes and relax or watch TV (if they are in an upright position).

The scan itself does not cause any pain or discomfort, although the patient may be placed in an uncomfortable position in order for us to capture the anatomy in a state that reproduces symptoms. Most scans are completed in 20 - 35 minutes, but it can take longer if the referring physician has requested a multi-positional study, or if there is excessive movement during the scan that requires us to re-scan certain images.