Conventional x-ray continues to develop amid digital explorations

Developments in digital radiography (DR) may have held the high ground of x-ray imaging on the RSNA exhibit floor this year, but technical improvements in surgical C-arms, conventional radiography/fluoroscopy, and angiography equipment were exciting, even extraordinary in some cases. Advanced software applications in x-ray have flourished as well, particularly in 3D imaging and digital displays. (At least two vendors showed work on putting together full spinal digital shots for use in scoliosis applications.) Phosphor-plate computed radiography (CR) suppliers continue to improve that technology, which is maintaining a digital niche alongside emerging DR products. Some new DR equipment was introduced by start-up firms at the show, including a whole-body trauma scanner out of South Africa and a portable DR system developed by a small R&D firm in conjunction with Canon Agfa Reenergized under the Agfa HealthCare moniker, the company highlighted an array of CR developments.