PedCAT for 3D-imaging in standing position allows for more accurate bone position (angle) measurement than radiographs or CT

Abstract

Background: PedCAT (Curvebeam, Warrington, USA) is a new technology that allows 3D-imaging with full weight bearing which is not influenced by projection and/or foot orientation (as radiographs). The aim of this study was to compare time spent of the image acquisition, and comparison of specific bone position (angle) measurements between three imaging methods (radiographs, CT, pedCAT), and to analyze and compare measurement differences and inter- and intraobserver reliability.

Methods: In a prospective consecutive controlled study, 30 patients in which standard digital radiographs with full weight bearing in standing position (feet bilateral dorsoplantar and lateral views and Saltzman hindfoot view), CT without weight bearing, and pedCAT scan with full weight bearing in standing position were included, starting July 1, 2013. The following angles were measured for the right foot by three different investigators three times: 1st - 2nd intermetatarsal angle, talo-metatarsal 1-angle (TMT) both dorsoplantar and lateral projection, hindfoot angle, calcaneal pitch. The angles were digitally measured and compared (ANOVA with Post Hoc Scheffe test).

Results: The angles differed between radiographs, CT and pedCAT (ANOVA, all p≤.01). The angles differed between pedCAT and both radiographs and CT (Post Hoc Scheffe test, each p≤.05 except for TMT dorsoplantar and calcaneal pitch angels versus radiographs).

Conclusions: The angles differed between radiographs, CT and pedCAT, indicating that only pedCAT is able to detect the correct angles. PedCAT includes weight bearing in contrast to CT. PedCAT prevents inaccuracies of projection and foot orientation in contrast to radiographs due to the 3D dataset which is principally independent from projection and foot orientation.

Keywords: 3D-imaging; Computer tomography (CT); Radiograph; Weight bearing.