CBCT System Simplifies Extremity Imaging Studies

An innovative cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) system images extremities in three dimensions (3D) for use by orthopedic and sports medicine practices and other healthcare providers.

The Carestream Health (Rochester, NY, USA) OnSight 3D Extremity System enables healthcare providers to capture high-quality 3D images at the point of care (POC) and conduct a patient consultation in a single visit, allowing specialists to visually illustrate to their patients their condition or injury, and help them understand the reason for a suggested treatment or surgical procedure. The system provides an easily accessible open bore to allow weight-bearing studies that are not possible with traditional CT.

System features include the ability to perform upper and lower extremity exams, including weight bearing tests; high-resolution, large field, isotropic 3D images that can help to reveal subtle or occult fractures; reduced doses compared to conventional CT systems; advanced metal and scatter correction algorithms and reduced noise by using iterative reconstruction techniques; and a small footprint and simplified design that cut the time and cost of system installation.

“Our extremity imaging system can help in treating a host of orthopedic conditions that affect the biomechanical behavior of the joints such as arthritis, meniscus loss, instability and malalignment syndromes,” said Helen Titus, worldwide marketing director for ultrasound and CT solutions at Carestream. “Orthopedic imaging is a major focus for Carestream because of the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions among people of all ages.”

During CBCT, the region of interest is centered in the field of view. A single 200-degree rotation acquires a volumetric data set, which is used to produce a digital volume composed of 3D voxels of anatomical data, which can then be manipulated and visualized. CBCT has only recently become practical with the introduction of large-area high-speed digital X-ray imagers, such as hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H)-based flat-panel detectors.

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