Diagnosing Orthopedic Problems
The specialists in the Variety Orthopedic Center are dedicated to providing cutting-edge care. Our state-of-the-art equipment helps ensure the best outcomes for our patients while using systems that expose kids to little or no radiation (X-rays).
EOS
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is one of two pediatric hospitals in the nation with an EOS low-dose radiation scanner. Doctors mainly use the scanner to help diagnose and treat children with scoliosis (a curved spine).
Children's Hospital is one of the only centers in the country to use the Quantec 3-D spinal measurement system, a system that does not use radiation. This system allows us to measure at least 12 different points along the entire length of a child's spine. Quantec creates a surface map of the spine so we can measure the change in a child's spinal curve and properly treat his or her scoliosis.
Electromagnetic pediatric gait lab
We have one of the few pediatric electromagnetic gait labs in the region. In the gait lab, we do motion tests by placing sensors on a child's body and asking him or her to walk normally across a special platform with magnetic sensors. During this computerized test, we collect data about the alignment of a child's pelvis, hips, knees and ankles. Gait lab tests help us decide if surgery is needed and also measure improvements after surgery.
Children are more sensitive to X-rays, so finding the radiation level that allows us to make an accurate diagnosis and keep them safe can be tricky. Children's Hospital uses high quality and safe low-dose radiation in pediatric imaging, and we have one of the nation's leading radiology programs for children.