Portable Orthopedic CT Systems Image Extremities

Two compact computerized tomography (CT) systems provide radiology and orthopedic specialists with three-dimensional (3D) bone detail of extremities in locations convenient to the patient.

The CurveBeam (Warrington, PA, USA) LineUP and InReach orthopedic extremity CT systems can be plugged into a standard wall outlet and have minimal shielding requirements, as the radiation dose is significantly less than that of a conventional CT scan. The LineUP system can perform bilateral scans of entire legs, from below the heel to above the knee, with an adaptive chair permitting scanning of the hand, wrist, and elbow as well. LineUP also permits the patient to stand during the scan, so that anatomy can be assessed while in a load bearing position.

The InReach system is intended for CT imaging of the hand, wrist, elbow, and lower extremities in non-weight bearing position, with the effective dose less than 2 micro Sieverts for the average adult patient for a hand scan, and 3 - 6 micro Sieverts for a standard foot/ankle scan; a Lite Dose protocol reduces radiation dose further by 56-65%. Both systems offer quick scan times of 30 seconds or less, providing 3D renderings, multi-planar slices, and X-Ray views. The images are digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) and picture archiving and communication system (PACS) compliant.

“The InReach will revolutionize the speed and accuracy of assessment of upper extremity conditions that specialists have traditionally found challenging to diagnose with plain X-Ray, such as scaphoid fractures,” said Arun Singh, President and CEO of CurveBeam. “The InReach continues the company's mission to elevate advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities to enhance orthopedic care.”

“We purchased a CurveBeam InReach unit for our practice, and it has heightened the level of care that we can provide for our patients. Integration was seamless,” said Josef Zoldos, MD, DDS, of the Arizona Center for Hand Surgery (Phoenix, USA). “The convenience factor notwithstanding, the images that are generated are exemplary. The supplied software is extremely powerful and allows multidimensional image manipulation.”