Halifax Biomedical Starts Spine Instability Measurement System Study

Canadian company Halifax Biomedical Inc. (HBI) has started a pivotal research study for its spine instability measurement system in collaboration with Horizon Health Network, one of two health authorities in the Canadian province of New Brunswick.

“Pain caused by diseases of the low back pose an enormous economic burden on society in general and the health care system in particular. Moreover, it is a complex clinical entity to both diagnose and treat,” said Erik Giphart, chief technology officer for HBI. “Our stereo-radiography technology provides new and accurate three-dimensional motion data of the spine unavailable to date. We believe our measurements have the potential to become the new standard of care in the future.”

HBI is developing stereo radiography technology that provides solutions to two of what it calls the largest problems in orthopedics: instability of the spine, and loosening of implants such as hip and knee replacements. Both problems are difficult to detect and measure objectively and accurately in three dimensions. This study will examine HBI’s technology for spine.

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with Dr. Manson, Dr Abraham, their research team, the Canada East Spine Centre, and Horizon Health Network. We believe this research will contribute to the advancement of patient care in the spine which is HBI’s underlying goal for every product,” said CEO Chad Munro.

“At present, in some patients, there is a gap between patient symptoms and true abnormalities which can be identified with routine testing techniques including X-ray and MRI. HBI technology is unique and may succeed in providing information towards bridging this gap. This research partnership between HBI and our team will work to identify patient benefit,” said Neil Manson, M.D., principal investigator of the study.

With headquarters in Nova Scotia and U.S. offices in Cambridge, Mass., HBI specializes in precision assessment of spine and joint-replacement micro-instability.