For parents of children with spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, joint disease, back and leg pain and other orthopedic conditions, one Atlanta doctor’s office has a new low-dose X-ray technology system that emits an ever lower amount of radiation — something that is a concern to many.

Dr. Tim Oswald, of Pediatric Orthopaedic Associates in Atlanta, said his office has had the new EOS System for about six months to the delight of patients.

The EOS system utilizes a new 3D, low dose X-ray, which offers a radiation dose that is up to nine times lower than conventional X-ray and 20 times less than a CT scan. It is also the first and only technology capable of providing 3D, full body images of patients in a natural standing position.

“The fact that this is ultra-low dose, it gives the patients an amazing peace of mind because as we follow the children and teens every six months or so, by having the X-rays over a 10-year period it’s the equivalency of less exposure than just one traditional X-ray period,” Oswald said.

Oswald’s practice is the only one in the state of Georgia to feature the new machine. Being one of the premier centers for spinal deformity in children in Georgia, Oswald said that has led them to be involved in several national and international studies.

“I’m familiar with a lot of the original designers out of France and Canada and a lot of leading utilizers [of the machine] throughout the country,” he said. “It’s because of our area of specialization and being nationally recognized that I became familiar with EOS.”

Amber Coker, whose 16-year-old son Timi has chronic back issues, is thrilled about the new machine – especially its ultra low release of radiation.

“We like the new machine better because it’s quicker and it looks pretty cool,” Coker said. “He’s [son] not in there too long and I think what I was hearing the images are sharper as well.”

Coker added as a parent, she thinks it is great because having a child who has to have constant X-rays done on his back, one can begin to wonder about radiation. With the new system, she said there is nothing to be concerned about any longer.

Oswald piggybacked off that statement and said repeated X-ray exposure has been a major concern for many parents, and this new machine gives parents a reason to be excited.

The new 3D images are particularly exciting for doctors such as Oswald, who said the images can be used for surgical planning and understanding deformities in patients.

“With EOS you’re allowed to look at it in three planes from rotations and curvatures – so it’s very exciting from a surgical standpoint and it makes us better surgeons,” Oswald said.