Postoperative Extremity Tomosynthesis-A Superimposition-Free Alternative to Standard Radiography?

Rationale And Objectives: This study investigates the performance of tomosynthesis in the presence of osteosynthetic implants, aiming to overcome superimposition-induced limitations in conventional radiograms.

Materials And Methods: After surgical fracture induction and subsequent osteosynthesis, 8 cadaveric fracture models (wrist, metacarpus, ankle, metatarsus) were scanned with the prototypical tomosynthesis mode of a multiuse x-ray system. Tomosynthesis protocols at 60, 80, and 116 kV (sweep angle 10°, 13 FPS) were compared with standard radiograms.

The exercise-app Axia for axial spondyloarthritis enhances the home-based exercise frequency in axial spondyloarthritis patients - A cross-sectional survey.

Background: Patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) benefit from regular home-based exercise (HbE). In spite of recommendations, a relevant proportion of German axSpA patients does not adhere to recommended HbE practices. To enhance HbE care, we developed the novel digital therapeutic (DTx) "Axia" compliant with the European medical device regulation (MDR).

Tomosynthesis of the Appendicular Skeleton on a Twin Robotic X-ray System: A Cadaveric Fracture Study.

Rationale And Objectives: Aiming to offset image quality limitations in radiographs due to superimposition, this study investigates the diagnostic potential of appendicular skeleton tomosynthesis.

Materials And Methods: Eight cadaveric extremities (four hands and feet) were examined employing the prototypical tomosynthesis mode of a twin robotic X-ray scanner. 12 protocols with varying sweep angles (10, 20 vs.

Upright Tomosynthesis of the Lumbar Spine.

Rationale And Objectives: This experimental study investigates the potential of lumbar spine tomosynthesis to offset the traditional limitations of radiographic and computed tomography imaging, that is, superimposition of anatomy and disregard of physiological load-bearing.

Materials And Methods: A gantry-free twin robotic scanner was used to obtain lateral radiographs and tomosyntheses of the lumbar spine under weight-bearing conditions in eight body donors. Tomosynthesis protocols varied in terms of sweep angle (20 versus 40°), scan time (2.

Rotational alignment of the lower extremity in the presence of total knee endoprosthesis: Reproducibility of torsion analyses using ultra-low-dose photon-counting CT.

Purpose: Leg torsion analysis can provide valuable information in symptomatic patients after total knee arthroplasty. However, extensive beam-hardening and photon-starvation artifacts limit diagnostic assessability and dose reduction potential. For this study, we investigated the reproducibility of rotational measurements in ultra-low-dose photon-counting CT with spectral shaping via tin prefiltration.

MRI-Based Evaluation of the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis Anatomy: Investigating the Prevalence and Morphometry of the "Chiasma Antebrachii".

Recent dissection studies resulted in the introduction of the term "chiasma antebrachii", which represents an intersection of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendons for digits 2 and 3 in the distal third of the forearm. This retrospective investigation aimed to provide an MRI-based morphologic analysis of the chiasma antebrachii. In 89 patients (41 women, 39.

Ultra-High-Resolution Photon-Counting Detector CT Arthrography of the Ankle: A Feasibility Study.

This study was designed to investigate the image quality of ultra-high-resolution ankle arthrography employing a photon-counting detector CT. Bilateral arthrograms were acquired in four cadaveric specimens with full-dose (10 mGy) and low-dose (3 mGy) scan protocols. Three convolution kernels with different spatial frequencies were utilized for image reconstruction (ρ; Br98: 39.

Weight-bearing gantry-free cone-beam CT of the lumbar spine: Image quality analysis and dose efficiency.

Purpose: The effect of static forces under load limits the prognostic value of lumbar spine CT in a horizontal position. Using a gantry-free scanner architecture, this study was designed to assess the feasibility of weight-bearing cone-beam CT (CBCT) of the lumbar spine and to establish the most dose-effective combination of scan parameters.

Methods: Eight formalin-fixated cadaveric specimens were examined with a gantry-free CBCT system in upright position with the aid of a dedicated positioning backstop.

Angiographic Characteristics Associated with Rupture of Small Intracranial Aneurysms.

Objective: Contrary to previous assumptions, there is increasing evidence that small intracranial aneurysms carry a relevant risk of rupture. The aim of this study was to identify angiographic characteristics of small ruptured aneurysms ≤7 mm and to evaluate their significance for clinical decision making.

Methods: A total of 385 patients with 149 unruptured and 236 ruptured intracranial aneurysms were retrospectively compared.

Ultrahigh-Resolution Photon-Counting CT in Cadaveric Fracture Models: Spatial Frequency Is Not Everything.

In this study, the impact of reconstruction sharpness on the visualization of the appendicular skeleton in ultrahigh-resolution (UHR) photon-counting detector (PCD) CT was investigated. Sixteen cadaveric extremities (eight fractured) were examined with a standardized 120 kVp scan protocol (CTDI 10 mGy). Images were reconstructed with the sharpest non-UHR kernel (Br76) and all available UHR kernels (Br80 to Br96).

Quantitative and qualitative image quality assessment in shoulder examinations with a first-generation photon-counting detector CT.

Photon-counting detector (PCD) CT allows for ultra-high-resolution (UHR) examinations of the shoulder without requiring an additional post-patient comb filter to narrow the detector aperture. This study was designed to compare the PCD performance with a high-end energy-integrating detector (EID) CT. Sixteen cadaveric shoulders were examined with both scanners using dose-matched 120 kVp acquisition protocols (low-dose/full-dose: CTDI = 5.

Artificial-intelligence-enhanced synthetic thick slabs versus standard slices in digital breast tomosynthesis.

Objectives: Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) can provide additional information over mammography, albeit at the cost of prolonged reading time. This study retrospectively investigated the impact of reading enhanced synthetic 6 mm slabs instead of standard 1 mm slices on interpretation time and readers performance in a diagnostic assessment centre.

Methods: Three radiologists (R1-3; 6/4/2 years of breast imaging experience) reviewed 111 diagnostic DBT examinations.

Ultrahigh-resolution computed tomography of the cervical spine without dose penalty employing a cadmium-telluride photon-counting detector.

Purpose: This cadaveric study compared image quality between a third-generation dual-source CT scanner with energy-integrating detector technology (EID) and a first-generation CT system employing a photon-counting detector (PCD) for the cervical spine in ultrahigh-resolution mode.

Methods: The cervical spine of eight formalin-fixed full-body cadaveric specimens was scanned with both CT systems using 140 kVp scan protocols matched for CTDI (full-dose; low-dose; ultralow-dose; 10 mGy; 3 mGy; 1 mGy). Images were reconstructed with 1 mm slice thickness and 0.

The AMADEUS score is not a sufficient predictor for functional outcome after high tibial osteotomy.

Purpose: The Area Measurement And Depth Underlying Structures (AMADEUS) classification system has been proposed as a valuable tool for magnetic resonance (MR)-based grading of preoperatively encountered chondral defects of the knee joint. However, the potential relationship of this novel score with clinical data was yet to determine. It was the primary intention of this study to assess the correlative relationship of the AMADEUS with patient reported outcome scores in patients undergoing medial open-wedge high tibial valgus osteotomy (HTO).

Twin Robotic Gantry-Free Cone-Beam CT in Acute Elbow Trauma.

Background Posttraumatic CT imaging of the elbow can be challenging when patient mobility is limited. Gantry-free cone-beam CT (CBCT) with a twin robotic radiography system offers greater degrees of positioning freedom for three-dimensional elbow scans over gantry-based multidetector CT (MDCT), but studies analyzing their clinical value remain lacking. Purpose To investigate the diagnostic performance of gantry-free CBCT versus two-dimensional radiography in adults and children with acute elbow trauma.

Potential of employing a quantum iterative reconstruction algorithm for ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT of the hip.

Introduction: This study investigated the image quality of a new quantum iterative reconstruction algorithm (QIR) for high resolution photon-counting CT of the hip.

Methods: Using a first-generation photon-counting CT scanner, five cadaveric specimens were examined with ultra-high-resolution protocols matched for radiation dose. Images were post-processed with a sharp convolution kernel and five different strength levels of iterative reconstruction (QIR 0 - QIR 4).

Gantry-Free High-Resolution Cone-Beam CT: Efficacy for Distal Radius and Scaphoid Fracture Detection and Characterization.

Objectives: Gantry-free cone-beam CT (CBCT) allows for comfortable patient positioning due to an open scanner architecture. Since CBCT without gantry is not yet established for clinical wrist trauma imaging, this study's aim was to investigate its diagnostic value in the preoperative workup of patients with distal radius and scaphoid fractures.

Methods: Within a 12-month period, 113 patients with severe wrist trauma underwent both radiography and CBCT with the same gantry-free multi-use scanner before surgery.

Metal artifact reduction in ultra-high-resolution cone-beam CT imaging with a twin robotic X-ray system.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been shown to be a powerful tool for 3D imaging of the appendicular skeleton, allowing for detailed visualization of bone microarchitecture. This study was designed to compare artifacts in the presence of osteosynthetic implants between CBCT and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in cadaveric wrist scans. A total of 32 scan protocols with varying tube potential and current were employed: both conventional CBCT and MDCT studies were included with tube voltage ranging from 60 to 140 kVp as well as additional MDCT protocols with dedicated spectral shaping via tin prefiltration.

One-stop-shop CT arthrography of the wrist without subject repositioning by means of gantry-free cone-beam CT.

Modern cone-beam CT systems are capable of ultra-high-resolution 3D imaging in addition to conventional radiography and fluoroscopy. The combination of various imaging functions in a multi-use setup is particularly appealing for musculoskeletal interventions, such as CBCT arthrography (CBCTA). With this study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of CBCTA of the wrist in a "one-stop-shop" approach with a gantry-free twin robotic scanner that does not require repositioning of subjects.

Can the MRI based AMADEUS score accurately assess pre-surgery chondral defect severity according to the ICRS arthroscopic classification system?

Purpose: The AMADEUS (Area Measurement And DEpth and Underlying Structures) scoring and grading system has been proposed for the MRI based evaluation of untreated focal chondral defects around the knee. The clinical practicability, its correlation with arthroscopically assessed grading systems (ICRS - International Cartilage Repair Society) and thereby its clinical value in terms of decision making and guiding prognosis was yet to determine.

Methods: From 2008 to 2019 a total of 89 individuals were indicated for high tibial valgus osteotomy (HTO) due to tibial varus deformity and concomitant chondral defects of the medial compartment of the knee.

Combining gantry-free cone-beam computed tomography with iterative metal artefact reduction for surgical follow-up imaging of the appendicular skeleton.

Purpose: Post-surgical evaluation of osteosynthesis material and adjacent tissue can be challenging in both radiography and cross-sectional imaging. This study investigates the performance of a multi-purpose X-ray scanner with cone-beam CT (CBCT) function and iterative metal artefact reduction capabilities in patients after osteoplasty of the appendicular skeleton.

Method: Eighty individuals who underwent both conventional X-ray imaging and CBCT after osteoplasty of the hand/wrist (48), elbow (14), or ankle/foot (18) with the gantry-free twin robotic system were retrospectively enrolled.

Tin-filtered 100 kV Ultra-low-dose Abdominal CT for Calculi Detection in the Urinary Tract: A Comparative Study of 510 Cases.

Objectives: For detection of urinary calculi, unenhanced low-dose computed tomography is the method of choice, outperforming radiography and ultrasound. This retrospective monocentric study aims to compare a clinically established, dedicated low-dose imaging protocol for detection of urinary calculi with an ultra-low-dose protocol employing tin prefiltration at a standardized tube voltage of 100 kVp.

Methods: Two study arms included a total of 510 cases.

Accuracy of pedicle screw placement using neuronavigation based on intraoperative 3D rotational fluoroscopy in the thoracic and lumbar spine.

Introduction: In spinal surgery, precise instrumentation is essential. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of navigated, O-arm-controlled screw positioning in thoracic and lumbar spine instabilities.

Materials And Methods: Posterior instrumentation procedures between 2010 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed.

Metal artefact reduction in low-dose computed tomography: Benefits of tin prefiltration versus postprocessing of dual-energy datasets over conventional CT imaging.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the potential for metal artefact reduction in low-dose multidetector CT as these pose a frequent challenge in clinical routine. Investigations focused on whether spectral shaping via tin prefiltration, virtual monoenergetic imaging or virtual blend imaging (VBI) offers superior image quality in comparison with conventional CT imaging.

Methods: Using a third-generation dual-source CT scanner, two cadaveric specimens with different metal implants (dental, cervical spine, hip, knee) were examined with acquisition protocols matched for radiation dose with regards to tube voltage and current.