X-ray Digital Tomosynthesis Imaging — Comparison of Reconstruction Algorithms in Terms of a Reduction in the Exposure Dose for Arthroplasty

Abstract

Aims The purpose of this review was (1) to identify indications for volumetric X-ray digital tomosynthesis by using a conventional reconstruction technique [the filtered back-projection (FBP) algorithm] and modern reconstruction techniques [the maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM) and simultaneous iterative reconstruction techniques (SIRT)] and (2) to compare the conventional and modern reconstruction techniques in terms of a reduction in the exposure dose. Review The methods included the following: (1) an overview and analysis of the characteristics of the FBP, MLEM, and SIRT algorithms; (2) an overview of the properties of phantom imaging for arthroplasty when imaging overlying structures and the effect of those properties on various artifacts in images; and (3) a review of each method regarding exposure reductions. Summary In the phantom study, the MLEM and SIRT techniques can suppress streak artifacts; therefore, they warrant further evaluation in comparison with FBP. With the FBP technique, the exposure dose may be decreased to half of the reproducibility for a reconstructed prosthesis phantom image. The results show the characteristics of each technique that need to be considered in clinical practice (better suppression of streak artifacts: MLEM and SIRT; better reproducibility: FBP). In addition, under‐ standing the advantages of each reconstruction technique during digital tomosyn‐ thesis imaging will improve diagnostic accuracy in clinical applications.