Weight-Bearing CT System Images Entire Lower Extremity

A novel weight bearing computerized tomography (WBCT) imaging system can scan the entire lower extremity, from the pelvis to the feet.

The CurveBeam (Hatfield, PA, USA) HiRise weight bearing system allows patients to stand naturally while both the left and right limbs are scanned together, thus allowing pre-operative planning of both hip and knee replacement surgeries. Surgeons can visualize not only how the femoral head lies within the acetabulum, but also assess alignment between the hip and knee joints in 3D weight bearing positions. As the system uses cone beam CT, the radiation dose of distal extremities is typically a fraction of a comparable conventional CT scans of the same region.


The wide bore of the HiRise allows for continuous scanning along the lower extremity via multiple orbits while the gantry rises and descends along a vertical track. The system can also be tilted horizontally to perform upper extremity scans, as well as for non-weight bearing lower extremity scans via an optional table that allows the patient to remain fully supine during the scanning process. The HiRise system plugs into a standard wall outlet, requires minimal shielding, and is easy to operate.

“CurveBeam’s mission is to be responsive to crucial but unmet diagnostic needs of the specialties it serves, and introduction of the HiRise device is the latest transformational step in that direction,” said Arun Singh, CEO and President of CurveBeam. “This system literally achieves new heights in point of care advanced orthopedic imaging.”

“The HiRise promises to revolutionize our biomechanical understanding of the entire lower extremity, the same way previous generations of CurveBeam’s weight bearing CT systems enabled better investigation into the foot, ankle, and knee,” said Cesar de Cesar Netto, MD, PhD, of the University of Iowa, who is using the HiRise for multiple studies, including examining hip dysplasia in functional positions and evaluating wrist injuries in gymnasts.

Related Links:
CurveBeam