Eye on Health: Beacon brings world-class spine imaging to South Bend for patients
Tina Caparo spent her career designing beautiful gardens, but years of physical work took a devastating toll. Severe back pain became her constant companion, and as her discs began collapsing, she couldn’t put weight on her right leg.
Everything changed when Tina met Dr. Stephen Smith at Beacon Medical Group North Central Neurosurgery. Dr. Smith knew advanced imaging technology would allow him to see exactly what was happening in her spine and plan the best surgical approach. Only the closest center offering this technology was in Chicago.
Until now.
Beacon Health System recently became the first hospital in northern Indiana to bring the technology to our community. The EOS Imaging System uses 85% less radiation than traditional X-rays while delivering incredibly detailed 2D and 3D images powered by AI.
“The software behind it is amazing. It uses Artificial Intelligence to instantly start measuring all kinds of different angles to the spine – what we might refer to as parameters for the spine – and we use those numbers to make smarter decisions as to what to do next,” Dr. Smith says. “Very often we’re not talking about one image and never needing X-rays again for the rest of their life. So, this allows us a quick, easier, less radiation way to take a look and know what’s going on.”
Tina now walks confidently and pain-free down hospital hallways. She has another imaging appointment on her calendar, but this time no out-of-town travel is required. “Dr. Smith has given me my life back,” she says.
Hear much more from Tina and Dr. Smith and see the EOS Imaging System up close in WSBT’s Eye on Health segment.
Learn more about Beacon Bone & Joint Specialists
When your daily life and routines have changed because of bone fractures, joint, muscle or tendon pain, it’s time to see the experts. Beacon Bone & Joint Specialists provide expert orthopedic care while helping you get back to doing what you love – whether that’s playing on the field, running on the weekend or heading out to the garden.
