Moncton teen becomes first patient of updated imaging technology in Canada, IWK says
Molly Johnston, a 14-year-old Moncton teen with scoliosis, became the first patient in Canada to undergo spinal surgery using an updated O-Arm 3D imaging machine at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. The upgraded technology improves efficiency, accuracy, and patient safety by scanning the entire spine at once and reducing radiation exposure by 70% during pediatric surgeries.
A 14-year-old Moncton girl, Molly Johnston, became the first patient in Canada to benefit from an updated O-Arm 3D imaging machine during spinal surgery at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. The technology, now capable of scanning a patient’s entire spine in one go, enhances precision for screw placement and includes a pediatric radiation setting that reduces exposure by 70%. Diagnosed with scoliosis two years ago, Molly experienced fatigue and back pain but continued dancing. Her mother, Marsha Johnston, expressed relief at the advanced technology, which improved confidence in the surgery’s accuracy. Molly’s recovery has been smooth, with noticeable growth—she gained 2.5 inches post-surgery—and she plans to return to school next week and resume dancing in the fall. The O-Arm, installed at IWK just a month before Molly’s surgery, is primarily used for scoliosis and pediatric spine surgeries but has also aided in pelvic procedures. Dr. Kevin Morash, one of Molly’s orthopedic surgeons, highlighted its role in improving efficiency and patient safety. The machine’s upgrades, including reduced radiation, mark a significant advancement in pediatric surgical care. Molly’s surgery took place last month, and her family celebrated her progress, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll scoliosis had taken before the procedure. The IWK Health Centre’s adoption of this technology positions it as a leader in pediatric surgical innovation, offering safer and more precise treatments for young patients across Canada.
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