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Technology Overview

The KineGraph VMA™ (Vertebral Motion Analyzer) is a functional diagnostic test for the spine that uses fluoroscopy to capture the spine in motion.

Key Features

  • Fast, non-invasive and radiation1 that has been reported in the medical literature to be comparable with the current standard of care (end-range x-rays)
  • Quantitative measurement and true functional test vs. fixed position end-range x-rays
  • Early testing indicates potentially improved diagnostic capabilities
  • Provides new insights for implant device design
  • Controlled patient positioning to reduce test variability

What it is

This technology for measuring the motion between the vertebrae outperforms the current end-range x-ray method by standardizing and automating each of its basic steps: (1) patient bending, (2) image acquisition, and (3) image analysis.


1 Patient Bending

Key to the KineGraph VMA innovation are the patented Motion Normalizer™ devices, which provide powered passive trunk bending in either a standing or lying down configuration.

2 Image
   Acquisition

As the Motion Normalizer bends the trunk through a set range of motion, hundreds of fluoro images of the spine are captured at standardized trunk bending angles.

3 Image Analysis

Image recognition software locates the vertebrae on each frame. The intervertebral angle (IVA) is plotted as a function of the degree of trunk bending, creating a KineGraph™ plot for each vertebral level.

A clear view of spine motion

The KineGraph VMA provides a rich set of in vivo biomechanical data for clinicians that may help them improve their diagnosis and patient selection. If clinicians are better able to diagnose and select patients, then there is potential for improved clinical outcomes for back and neck pain sufferers.

Learn more about our technology:
Visit the Ortho Kinematic University section of our website.
View the KineGraph VMA: The Spine in Motion video.


  1. Breen AC, Muggleton JM, Mellor FE. An Objective Spinal Motion Image Assessment (OSMIA): reliability, accuracy, and exposure data. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2006;
    7:1-10

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CAUTION: Investigational device, limited by federal (United States) law to investigational use.

Pilot studies suggest this device has the potential to detect an array of spine motion dysfunctions, assess kinematics, and track adjacent level disease; Ortho Kinematics, Inc. is currently conducting a multi-center clinical trial to evaluate and further assess these potential capabilities.