The KIS (Knee Imaging Software) system is a new, patent pending, software tool that filters data that already exists in a conventional digital X-ray to provide detailed colored images of the soft tissue around the bone, detail which is normally visualized only with MRI techniques.

This revolutionary process helps surgeons, radiologists, physiotherapists and GPs with their decision-making by enabling them to clearly recognize and identify detail that is not readily visible on a grayscale digital X-ray image.

The KIS system analyses X-rays created by digital X-ray machines and is capable of accepting all common digital file formats via an existing PACS (Picture Archive and Communication System) network. The image created will depict detail of the bone and soft tissues of the knee joint and can be used to identify detail that is not currently readily visible on a grayscale digital X-ray image.

To assist interpretation a user-friendly interface will allow the end-user to crop, zoom, rotate, measure and save the image. Images can be saved to a desktop or PACS network as standard files formats. A library of case studies will also be provided to aid training and interpretation.

The main overall benefits of the KIS system are the potential to provide:

Earlier disease intervention

The ability to cost-effectively monitor and detect early joint disease on conventional X-rays will enable accurate intervention earlier in disease progression than currently available by assessing patient symptoms (which is acknowledged to be an unreliable indicator). These interventions may be both non-pharmacologic (e.g. patient education, physical and occupational therapy) and pharmacologic therapy (analgesics and anti-inflammatories) before surgery is required.

Reduction in time to treat

The ability to use the technology directly on the X-ray will avoid the wait for diagnostic and therapeutic information, thereby reducing waiting-list times, which benefits both the patient and healthcare provider.

Cost reduction

Successful adoption of this technology will reduce the burden on MRI scanning facilities and reduce the number of invasive exploratory arthroscopic procedures. Due to the enormous number of patients that present with knee pain this will result in considerable savings to healthcare providers.

Broadening accessibility to non-invasive diagnosis

The ability to use the technology to visualize soft tissues in individuals on whom an MRI scan is not possible, e.g. those with intra cranial clips or forms of metalwork, provides a means of providing clinical information which is currently not possible.

Risk-reduction

The speed, cost and compatibility with standard digital X-rays will enable doctors to make a quicker, more informed decision, reducing the risk of a misdiagnosis.

Better characterization of the disease progression

Early results suggest that it may be possible to detect and monitor changes within the articular cartilage. Current imaging technologies are limited in their ability to monitor this, making it difficult to assess the effectiveness of treatment.

The KIS system is suitable for use by all medical practitioners that currently view and interpret X-ray images, specifically:

• Medical Specialists
• Radiologists
• GPs/Primary Physician
• Physiotherapists
• Rheumatologists