The PostGradDC Logo
Written by: James Demetrious, DC, DABCO
The PostGradDC Concept
The development of our PostGradDC website has been a wonderful family experience. We wanted to develop a logo that reflected our ability to improve the conspicuity of clinical findings through advanced differential and imaging techniques. I can think of no better graphic than a beautiful DTI/FT image:
Why Use an Imaging Graphic?
In chiropractic school, I enjoyed every radiology class that I took. We learned to interpret those two-dimensional images and apply them to a three-dimensional human body.
CT was in its infancy. We were introduced to axial images with sagittal and coronal reconstructions. Soft tissue and bone windows gave us improved insight. This new technology allowed us to conceptualize the body in 3-D.
During my orthopedic training, neuroradiologists introduced me to MRI. With that advancement, we could visualize the physiology of the body in sagittal, axial, and coronal planes. We could observe the signals of protons inherent to structure to attain highly detailed images of the body.
These scientific advancements provided us with progressively improving insight into the neuromusculoskeletal system. We can now appreciate disc desiccation, ligamentous tears and hypertrophy, Modic changes, periarticular edema, paraspinal atrophy, and intrusions into the spinal canals that are meaningful.
Newer Advancements in MRI
While MRI is remarkable, continued advancements have been made. Researchers have developed advanced MRI techniques that provide additional insight into neurologic function. Very exciting advancements have occurred in the following areas [1]:
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is an MRI technique that uses anisotropic diffusion to estimate the axonal (white matter) organization of the brain.
- Fiber Tractography (FT) is a 3D reconstruction technique to assess neural tracts using data collected by diffusion tensor imaging.
Incredible Potential
Simply, the fiber tractography imaging, the convention for color coding is as follows [1]:
- Red: transverse fibers
- Green: anteroposterior fibers
- Blue: craniocaudal fibers
The applications and potential for this technology may provide us insight into chiropractic that is objective and confirmatory.
Why Are These Advancements So Important in Chiropractic?
Researchers are defining the usefulness of these protocols by assessing white matter deformation due to autism, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s dementia, epilepsy, ischemic stroke, stroke with motor or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and depression.
DTI / FT may provide insight into mechanisms of neurogenic compromise and relief that has been described by the chiropractic profession.l
Our Logo Provides an Introduction to PostGradDC Continuing Education
It is our goal to offer meaningful, evidence-based, and practical continuing education. Our logo aptly highlights our intent.
Reference:
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are solely those of the author. We offer this only to educate and inform.
PostGradDC offers advanced post-graduate chiropractic continuing education. Our founder, Dr. James Demetrious, is an internationally distinguished board-certified chiropractic orthopedist, educator, author, and editor. For current, evidence-based, and clinically intuitive CE Coursework, attain your advanced training at PostGradDC.com.