The Technology
Motion Reveals What Rest Conceals
Digital Motion X-ray is the only imaging modality that captures the spine and joints under physiological load — in real time, at 30 frames per second. It is the definitive tool for diagnosing ligament injury and spinal instability.
What Is DMX?
Fluoroscopic Imaging in Motion
Digital Motion X-ray (DMX) is a dynamic fluoroscopic imaging technology that records continuous motion of the cervical and lumbar spine during active patient movement. Unlike static X-ray or MRI — which capture a single moment at rest — DMX reveals the full range of spinal motion, exposing instability, ligament laxity, and abnormal vertebral movement that is invisible in conventional imaging.
The technology is grounded in decades of peer-reviewed research and is recognized by the American Medical Association, the American College of Radiology, and the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment as a valid diagnostic tool for spinal instability.
DMX vs. Static Imaging
Why Motion Changes Everything
How It Works
The DMX Examination Process
Patient Positioning
The patient is positioned standing or seated — under physiological load — in front of the fluoroscopic imaging unit. No sedation or contrast agents are required.
Active Motion Capture
The patient performs guided range-of-motion movements — flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation — while the system captures continuous 30 fps imaging of the spine.
Digital Analysis
The captured motion sequence is analyzed frame-by-frame for abnormal vertebral translation, ligament laxity, and instability patterns using standardized measurement protocols.
Clinical Report
A comprehensive diagnostic report is prepared in 1-3 days, including quantified instability measurements, annotated imaging, and clinical interpretation.
Diagnostic Applications
Conditions DMX Identifies
Cervical Ligament Laxity
Abnormal anterior translation of cervical vertebrae indicating alar, transverse, or capsular ligament failure following trauma.
Lumbar Instability
Excessive vertebral motion during flexion/extension revealing disc and ligament compromise utilizing DICOM imaging and Mensuration Software.
Whiplash-Associated Disorders
Dynamic documentation of cervical instability patterns consistent with high-velocity acceleration-deceleration injury mechanisms.
Post-Traumatic Spinal Injury
Objective measurement of spinal motion abnormalities following motor vehicle accidents, falls, or occupational injuries.
Failed Static Imaging Cases
Patients with persistent pain and negative or inconclusive MRI/CT findings where functional instability is clinically suspected.
Impairment Rating Support
Quantified instability measurements that support AMA Guides-based impairment ratings for workers' compensation and personal injury cases.
Clinical Validation
Evidence-Based. Peer-Reviewed.
DMX methodology is supported by published research in peer-reviewed journals including Spine, the Journal of Whiplash & Related Disorders, and the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. The AMA Guides, 6th Edition, recognizes dynamic fluoroscopy as a valid method for assessing spinal instability.
AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 6th Edition — recognizes dynamic fluoroscopy for spinal instability assessment
Panjabi MM. The stabilizing system of the spine. Journal of Spinal Disorders, 1992 — foundational ligament instability research
Dvorak J, et al. Functional radiographic diagnosis of the cervical spine. Spine, 1988 — clinical validation of dynamic imaging
Ready to Refer a Patient for DMX?
Our clinical team is available to discuss your patient's case and determine whether DMX is the appropriate next step.