Extremity cone-beam CT for evaluation of medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis: Initial experience in imaging of the weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing knee.

Purpose: To investigate differences in joint space width (JSW) and meniscal extrusion (ME) between non-weight bearing (NWB) and weight bearing (WB) examinations of knee joints with medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) using a cone-beam CT (CBCT) extremity imaging system.

Materials And Methods: In this IRB approved prospective study, informed consent was obtained for 17 patients symptomatic for OA (11 F,6 M; 31-78 years, mean 56 years) and 18 asymptomatic controls (0 F,18 M; 29-48 years, mean 38.5 years) enrolled for CBCT exams in NWB and WB positions.

Two versus 3 lag screws for fixation of long oblique proximal phalanx fractures of the fingers: a cadaver study.

Purpose: To compare 2- versus 3-screw fixation for oblique fractures of the proximal phalanx in a cadaver model that simulates active finger motion.

Methods: We experimentally cut the proximal phalanges of the index, middle, and ring fingers of 9 cadaveric hands. Five fingers were assigned to a control group with no fixation, and 22 were fixed with either 2 or 3 lag screws.

Dedicated cone-beam CT system for extremity imaging.

Purpose: To provide initial assessment of image quality and dose for a cone-beam computed tomographic (CT) scanner dedicated to extremity imaging.

Materials And Methods: A prototype cone-beam CT scanner has been developed for imaging the extremities, including the weight-bearing lower extremities. Initial technical assessment included evaluation of radiation dose measured as a function of kilovolt peak and tube output (in milliampere seconds), contrast resolution assessed in terms of the signal difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR), spatial resolution semiquantitatively assessed by using a line-pair module from a phantom, and qualitative evaluation of cadaver images for potential diagnostic value and image artifacts by an expert CT observer (musculoskeletal radiologist).