CT scans through metal scanning technique versus hardware composition

Nogah Haramati, Ronald B. Staron, Karen Mazel-Sperling, Katherine Freeman, Edward L. Nickoloff, Charles Barax, Frieda Feldman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

98 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Streak artifact on CT scans of metal containing areas has been a long standing problem. Although several artifact reducing methods have been used to improve image quality, most have been limited by requiring specialized equipment or lengthy complex calculations that are not automated. Others have shown that increasing the beam energy results in increased thickness of metal that may be imaged by CT without severe image degradation. We have studied the image quality of bone surrounding metal both with titanium and cobalt-chrome prostheses using various scanning techniques. Methods: In a double blind fashion, 28 radiology residents and attendings were surveyed as to the best technique for imaging bone detail surrounding metal. A series of images was arranged of an implanted titanium prosthesis, a cobalt-chrome prosthesis and a pelvis repaired with stainless steel pelvic reconstruction plates. Scans were performed using three techniques: 120 kVp, 170 mA, 2 s, 360° rotation, 140 kVp,140 mA, 3 s, 360° rotation, 140 kVp, 140 mA, 4 s, 420° rotation. Results: Titanium was superior to cobalt-chrome (p < .0001 Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test). No advantage was noted for higher kVp or increased scan arc of 420° compared to the standard 360°. Conclusion: Titanium allows improved bone detail surround the metal than CT cobalt-chrome. We have found no advantage to using either high kVp or a 420° scan are to improve the image quality of bone surrounded by metal.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)429-434
Number of pages6
JournalComputerized Medical Imaging and Graphics
Volume18
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1994

Keywords

  • Computed Tomography (CT) artifact
  • Hip prosthesis
  • Metal
  • Prosthesis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
  • Health Informatics
  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design

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