Optimisation of imaging parameters during CT guided interventional procedures in patients with total hip arthroplasty

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the optimal KV and mAs settings during CT guided injections in the presence of a total hip arthroplasty so that image quality is maintained whist keeping the dose as low as reasonably achievable. MethodsA total hip arthroplasty phantom with needles with differing gauges was scanned using different CT parameters (from low dose to high dose) and evaluating if this had any effect on needle conspicuity. Conspicuity was graded from 1 to 3 by 2 independent blinded reviewers. ResultsIrrespective of the CT settings used (high dose or low dose parameters) needle conspicuity was not adversely affected by the THA for either scorer, therefore a kVp of 100 mA and a. In addition the needle gauge did not affect the conspicuity of the needle. ConclusionCT guided injections in this total hip arthroplasty phantom model can be performed without any adverse effect on the conspicuity of the needle tip on low dose CT settings. Advancement in knowledgeThis paper enables one to optimise the kV and mA while performing interventional procedures.