Abstract
Aim: rodMetallic components from circular external fixators, including the Ilizarov frame, cause artefacts on X-rays and obstruct clear visualisation of bone detail. We evaluated the ability of tomosynthesis to reduce interference on radiographs caused by metal artefacts and developed an optimal image acquisition method for such cases. Materials and methods: An Ilizarov frame phantom was constructed using rods placed on the bone for the purpose to evaluate the benefits of tomosynthesis. Distances between the rod and bone and the angle between the rod and X-ray tube orbit were set at three different levels. Filtered backprojection images were reconstructed using two different features of the reconstruction function: THICKNESS−− (CONTRAST4) and THICKNESS++ (METAL4); the first is suitable for improving contrast and the second is suitable for metal artefacts. The peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) was used during image evaluation to determine the influence of the metallic rod on bone structure visibility. Results: The PSNR increased as the angle between the metal rod and the X-ray tube orbit and the distance between the metallic rod and bone increased. The PSNR was larger when using THICKNESS−− (CONTRAST4) than when using THICKNESS++ (METAL4). Conclusion: The optimal reconstruction function and image acquisition determined using the metallic rod in this study suggest that quality equal to that without the metallic rod can be obtained. Clinical significance: We describe an optimised method for image acquisition without unnecessary acquisition repetition and unreasonable posture changes when the bone cannot be adequately visualised.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-6 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2020 |
Keywords
- Digital tomosynthesis
- Ilizarov
- Metal artefacts
- Metallic rod
- Peak signal-to-noise ratio
- X-ray
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine