Optical Devices for the Diagnosis and Management of Spinal Cord Injuries: A Review

Biosensors, 2024 · DOI: 10.3390/bios14060296 · Published: June 5, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Medical Imaging Biomedical

Simple Explanation

The spinal cord is crucial for transmitting sensory and motor information to the brain. Damage to this structure, often through injury or surgery, can significantly impact the nervous system. Optical devices, like microscopes and cameras, play a vital role in research, diagnosis, and treatment of spinal cord injuries. New optical devices have been developed that are capable of improving the accuracy of SCI diagnosis and treatment and promoting a better quality of life after surgery. This paper reviews research on optical devices used to diagnose spinal cord injuries and manage associated health complications. Optical imaging offers advantages over conventional methods by improving image resolution, enabling real-time monitoring, and reducing the need for invasive procedures, thereby minimizing the risk of harmful radiation. Techniques reviewed include optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescence imaging, and wearable optical technology.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review article

Key Findings

1
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers high-resolution, cross-sectional images of inhomogeneous structures like soft biological tissues on a microscopic level, as well as in 3-D.
2
Fluorescence imaging, particularly with multiphoton excitation techniques, allows for the observation of deeper tissue with reduced photodynamic disturbance, enabling prolonged investigations of living cells.
3
Wearable optical technology offers a high level of flexibility, ease of use, and precision in monitoring various changes in the body, such as chemical, physical, and biological variations, using wavelength, phase, and intensity variations.

Research Summary

The review highlights the importance of spinal health and the impact of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) on individuals' physical, emotional, and financial well-being. It emphasizes the high costs associated with SCI treatment and the need for preventive measures. Existing SCI treatments, such as stem cell therapy and electrical stimulation, show promise but are still experimental. Precise early-stage diagnosis is crucial, making imaging technologies essential. Optical imaging techniques like OCT, fluorescence imaging, and wearable optical sensors offer numerous benefits over conventional methods, including non-invasiveness, high-resolution imaging, tissue differentiability, online monitoring, and post-injury repair capabilities.

Practical Implications

Improved Diagnostic Accuracy

Optical imaging techniques can provide more detailed and accurate diagnoses of SCIs compared to traditional methods like MRI and CT scans.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

Optical devices, particularly fiber-based technologies, enable less invasive surgical and therapeutic interventions for spinal cord injuries, reducing patient risk and improving outcomes.

Enhanced Monitoring and Rehabilitation

Wearable optical sensors can facilitate continuous monitoring of patients' conditions post-surgery and during rehabilitation, providing valuable data for personalized treatment plans.

Study Limitations

1
Optical methods also have their own limitations, which must be addressed.
2
scattering of light energy from tissues around the spinal cord
3
It is difficult to reach the spinal cord’s core because of its complex architecture.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury