Quality and Outcomes Reports - Orthopedics

EOS Low-Dose Radiation Scanner

Why we measure it - While the scientific community is still studying how much radiation affects the growing body, we know excessive radiation exposure increases the risk of developing a carcinoma. We make every effort to use as low a radiation dosage as possible so that we can get the diagnostic image without compromising long-term radiation risks.

Radiation exposure to a child diagnosed with scoliosis at age 10 needs two X-rays per year until age 17 when he or she reaches skeletal maturity.

What this means - Patients will receive significantly less radiation if they have all their scoliosis imaging done in an EOS machine versus using plain films. EOS radiation is up to 10 times less than conventional x-rays.

About the data - Radiation exposure with plain film (assuming 10 units of radiation per dose) = approximately 160 units. Radiation exposure with EOS (assuming 1 unit of radiation per dose) = approximately 16 units.

Related dimensions of care:

What we're doing to provide the best care:

  • 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 treat children with scoliosis (a curved spine). Families already are traveling across the country for this cutting-edge care.
  • One of the most important advantages of using the EOS scanner is the large decrease in radiation dose - up to 10 times less than a regular X-ray and up to 99 percent less than a CT (computed tomography) scan of the spine.
  • Another advantage is that EOS images also provide sharper detail, helping doctors better decide the right course of treatment and, over time, measure the results of that treatment.

Patients and families:

  • If you cannot keep a scheduled appointment, please call Central Scheduling, at (877) 607-5280 or (414) 607-5280 as soon as possible to reschedule so another child can be seen.

Referring physicians:

  • Referring physicians can access our specialists for consultation or transport 24 hours a day. Call our physician referral line at (800) 266-0366.
  • Forward any needed patient documentation, including test results, to the specialty doctor's office prior to the patient's visit.
  • Health care providers from outside of our southeastern Wisconsin service area are encouraged to use our web-based 
    e-Consult service. This service is available for non-urgent patient cases only and gives providers access to our specialists to review patient cases, obtain medical advice or second opinions, and receive care recommendations for rare symptoms and illnesses.
    e-Consult is not to be used by the general public, parents/guardians or families.
  • Care guidelines for medical professionals
  • Educational materials
  • Pocket Directory

If you have questions about this data or information, email us or call (414) 266-6556.