While two dimensional bone mineral density is recognized as a strong predictor of fracture risk, it is increasingly understood that bone structure is also an important contributor to overall bone strength. The accurate assessment of complex femur structure requires a three dimensional volumetric density model.

Hologic's Discovery technology exploits patented rotating C-arm capability, to acquire multiple views of the femur at different angles. The collaboration with The Johns Hopkins utilizes this low dose acquisition to construct a three 3-D volumetric model of the femur.

"Clinicians have long sought the next generation of osteoporosis assessment tools to better predict femur fracture risk," commented Brad Herrington, Vice President of Skeletal Health Imaging. "Virtually all imaging modalities have turned to 3-D. We believe that a low-dose tomographic assessment of bone density and geometry may provide the ultimate clinical tool to discern bone structure and strength."

"We are enthusiastic about our collaboration with Hologic," said Russell Taylor Ph.D., Director of The Johns Hopkins University Center for Computer-Integrated Surgical Systems and Technology. "This represents a wonderful opportunity to exploit what we have already learned about three dimensional modeling and reconstruction for computer assisted surgery for use in the important field of osteoporosis assessment."

"Our hope is that tomographic 3-D analysis will ultimately be available on all Discovery systems with rotational C-arm capability," Herrington noted. "Hologic's exclusive rotating C-arm capability affords maximized patient comfort and efficient workflow by allowing the patient to remain in a comfortable supine position for the entire range of bone density procedures including Instant Vertebral Assessment (IVA-HD)."

Hologic Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of medical imaging systems dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of women, and a leading developer of state-of-the-art digital imaging technology for general radiography and mammography applications. Hologic's core business units are focused on osteoporosis assessment, mammography and breast biopsy, direct-to-digital x-ray for general radiography applications and mini C-arm imaging for orthopedic applications.