Comparison of reprojected 'pseudoplanar' bone SPECT/CT and planar bone scintigraphy for the detection and localization of foot and ankle osteoarthritis.

Purpose: To compare the performance of pseudoplanar (PP) images reprojected from bone single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) against 'real' planar bone scintigraphy for the assessment of localization and grading of radiotracer uptake of active osteoarthritic joints in the foot and ankle. Noninferiority of PP images would shorten the protocol substantially.

Methods: Late-phase real planar (RP) and SPECT/CT reconstructed PP images of 96 feet in 48 patients (22 women, 26 men, median age: 49 years, interquartile range: 34-67 years) with foot and ankle osteoarthritis were independently evaluated by three different readers.