Why Having Both EOS and Fuji Long-Length Imaging at Hey Clinic Ensures Accuracy, Safety, and Comfort for Every Patient
🎥 WATCH: Dr. Hey & KC Wheeler Discuss Our Imaging Technologies
In this 3-minute video, see our EOS and Fuji systems in action and learn why having both technologies benefits our patients.
When deciding where to get you or your child’s X-Ray done, there are typically two main choices:
- “Multi-Stop Shopping” The local pediatrician orders an X-Ray to be done locally, where you get the images done, and then wait for the results to be sent to the pediatrician, interpreted, and then decide if you need to go to a scoliosis center… a process that could take several weeks; or
- “One Stop Shopping.” Get the imaging done at a scoliosis center like Hey Clinic, where X-Rays can be measured immediately by highly skilled clinicians who do X-Ray Cobb measurements ALL the time, and also fully evaluate you or your loved one. a Then you can discuss the results of the X-Ray, combined with a proper physical exam and history taken by a scoliosis provider, and then receive proper education of the importance of the scoliosis diagnosis, and come up with a treatment plan which can then be put into action right away. This can also ensure that the properly sized X-Ray flat plate is available (36 inch vs. standard 17 inch) which avoids multiple xrays being performed and “stitching” problems. Advanced slot-imaging using EOS is also more likely to be available at a scoliosis center, and would be good to ask.
What type of X-Ray technology is best for you, and for your child/adolescent with possible scoliosis or kyphosis? The answer is: “It Depends!.” Read more below.
The Case That Proves Why Technology Choice Matters
Before we dive into the technical details, let me show you something remarkable that happened in our clinic. An 18-year-old patient with autism came in for scoliosis imaging and clinic visit. We initially obtained her X-Ray on EOS, but she was unable to stand still enough, which caused significant artifact and actually made her scoliosis appear much worse. This problem was quickly identified, and X-Ray repeated with our Fuji 80i 36 in full length system, where the image was obtained in milliseconds, rather than several seconds. You can see the image comparison below. Because we have both EOS and Fuji imaging systems, we were able to image her with both technologies on the same day.
The results were striking:
EOS Scan: The slow, 15-20 second slot-scanning process resulted in significant motion artifact. Despite her best efforts to stand perfectly still, subtle movements during the prolonged scan created a distorted, wavy appearance throughout the spine. The artifact made it difficult to obtain accurate measurements and could have suggested a more severe deformity than actually existed.
Fuji G80i Scan: The near-instantaneous capture (less than 1 second) eliminated any possibility of motion. The result? A crystal-clear image showing the true spine configuration with precise, reliable measurements.
Same patient. Same day.
Dramatically different results.
This single comparison illustrates a fundamental principle we follow at Hey Clinic: The most advanced technology is the one that’s right for YOUR specific situation. Having both systems means we never have to compromise between radiation safety and image accuracy. It
Can You Stand Completely Still? It Matters More Than You Think
Here’s a question many patients and parents don’t think to ask: How long do I need to stand perfectly motionless for this X-ray?
Standing Still Time Required:
- Fuji G80i: Less than 1 second (0.1-0.3 seconds) — essentially instantaneous
- EOS Spine: 9-10 seconds for thoracolumbar spine
- EOS Full Body: 15-20 seconds for complete scan
Think about it: Ten to twenty seconds doesn’t sound like much — until you try standing absolutely motionless while in pain, feeling anxious, or dealing with autism, ADHD, or developmental differences.
The Hey Clinic Difference: Right Technology, Every Time
As you saw in our video at the beginning of this article, having both EOS and Fuji technologies means we can customize our approach for each patient’s unique needs. This isn’t just marketing — it’s better medicine.
The 18-year-old with autism who inspired this article received exactly what she needed: accurate imaging that respected her challenges, delivered radiation safety equivalent to EOS, and provided precise measurements — all without compromise. If you or your loved one has trouble standing still for several seconds, just let us know and we can pivot and use the Fuji technology and not sacrifice image quality and radiation safety.
That’s personalized, evidence-based spine care.
Learn More
Watch Our Video:
See Dr. Hey and KC Wheeler discuss these imaging technologies: https://youtu.be/RzQT6E14_pc
Schedule a Consultation: Questions about imaging options? Contact Hey Clinic at heyclinic.com
References
1. Al-Dasuqi K, Taylor E, Ehrlich L, et al. Performance and reliability assessment of a lower dose, task-based scoliosis radiography protocol in pediatric patients. Pediatr Radiol. 2024;54(1):146-153.
2. Don S, Moore QT, Hensley P. Commentary: Achieving ALARA in scoliosis examinations. Pediatr Radiol. 2024;54(1):154-156.
3. Garg B, Mehta N, Bansal T, Malhotra R. EOS® imaging: Concept and current applications. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2020;11(5):786-793.
4. Simons L, et al. Development and validation of detecting motion artefacts in EOS X-ray. Sci Rep. 2024;14:4898.
About Hey Clinic
Hey Clinic for Scoliosis & Spine Care, founded by Dr. Lloyd Hey over 20 years ago, is a comprehensive scoliosis center in Raleigh, NC. We combine surgical expertise with European conservative treatment methods (Schroth therapy and bracing), achieving a 62.5% reduction in surgery rates. Our multidisciplinary team provides coordinated care under one roof.
