Exeter patient first in UK to trial new 3D imaging technology for rheumatoid arthritis

A patient in Exeter has become the first in the UK to trial an innovative 3D imaging technology designed to detect rheumatoid arthritis at its earliest stages, helping to avoid permanent damage to joints.

With funding from Innovate UK, the University of Exeter is running the first live trials of a new, portable imaging technology. Known as the AdaptixOrtho350, the new technology offers 3D imaging at a similar cost and radiation dose to traditional X-rays, which are 2D. This helps clinicians obtain more detailed images that can aid earlier diagnosis and improve ongoing management of rheumatoid arthritis. 

Rheumatoid arthritis affects an estimated 18 million people worldwide. It is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and permanent joint damage. over time. Early diagnosis is key to minimising this effect, yet traditional x-rays miss many cases.  

The study is being conducted with support from the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust with participants recruited from the Rheumatology service.  Support is also being provided from the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre.  

Emma’s story: "I went on holiday and came back with rheumatoid arthritis"

The first adult through the new study was Emma Carnell, 45, who was on a family holiday in Corfu in July, when she woke up one morning with an unfamiliar pain in her hand. “It was really odd – it was all cramped and claw-like. I thought I’d slept on it, and blamed the hotel bed. I stretched out in the pool but the next morning, it was back again. I thought I just need to get back to my own bed, but when I got home, thigs got worse.”  

Soon, the pain was also affecting her hands and ankles, accompanied by swelling. “I had to stop driving – I could no longer turn the key in the ignition. I’m decorating my house, but I couldn’t pick up a paintbrush. I was so tired, and I had intense brain fog. I’ve been lucky, though, because my GP acted quickly to get me onto the right treatment. If there’s a delay, it can lead to irreversible damage to your joints and organs.” 

Initially, hospital X-rays and blood tests showed negative results for rheumatoid arthritis, but Emma’s consultant also ordered an ultrasound, which confirmed the diagnosis.  

Emma said: “That early diagnosis is really key and I’m now hopeful that the medications I’m on can control my condition.  It’s crazy to think that I went on holiday and came back with rheumatoid arthritis, but I know I have been quite lucky in way.” 

Emma, a company secretary, said: “This research is so important. If this new 3D imaging technology can detect people earlier, it’ll make a huge difference, and could avoid more people experiencing irreparable damage to their joints, which can hinder their everyday function.” 

More about the trial

The new trial, will evaluate the performance of Adaptix’ 3D imaging technology when compared to traditional 2D X-rays. It will look at three main areas: Improved diagnostic potential; effective measurement of joint spaces; and evaluation of bone density - all in patients with inflammatory arthritis. 

Professor Karen Knapp, Professor of Musculoskeletal Imaging at the University of Exeter, who is leading the trial, said: “Up to 50% of people with early joint changes due to rheumatoid arthritis are missed when diagnosed using 2D X-rays, but more-detailed 3D imaging options - such as MRI and CT scans – are expensive and waiting lists can be long.  

“We’re really excited to be the first to trial the new Adaptix Ortho350, which  promises much better visualisation of bone and joints than traditional 2D images, meaning the signs of inflammation and subtle changes, such as joint erosion - could be picked up and managed at an earlier stage.  This trial is an excellent example of a partnership between our university and industry directly benefiting patients.” 

Dr Siân Phillips, Chief Medical Officer at Adaptix, said: “Our mobile imaging technology uses Digital Tomosynthesis to enable clearer visualisation of bones and joints than 2D X-rays. It creates 3D images from a stack of image ‘slices’, much like CT and MRI imaging, but with a lower radiation dose compared to CT, faster image acquisition, lower power requirements and compact size that allows for imaging at the point of patient care.  

“Our technology is already in use across both the veterinary and non-destructive testing sectors, and has delivered positive results in cadaver trials. The Exeter trial marks the next stage in our journey with the first live human trials, and also proves our range of use cases, from purely diagnostic applications to assessing disease progression.”  

The trial will focus on adults with rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis of the hand, with participants being scanned with both the Adaptix Ortho350 and traditional 2D X-rays to assess and compare each imaging modality’s performance. 

Visit the University of Exeter website

How to get involved

If you are interested in learning more about the study including how participants are invited to take part, please contact your hospital care team at your next appointment. The study is currently enrolling participants under the care of the Royal Devon Rheumatology department, who refer eligible patients to be considered for the trial.

If you are experiencing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, please book an appointment with your GP to access the right care for you. 

For more information about rheumatoid arthritis, you can also visit the NHS website here.