[Improved image quality of the cervical spine neck CT using an arm traction device]. / Verbesserte Bildqualität der Halswirbelsäulen-CT mittels Armzugvorrichtung.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of the cervico-thoracic junction in the neck CT is frequently hampered by streak artifacts from the shoulder girdles. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of an optimized patient positioning through the use of an arm traction device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 patients (age [mean ± standard deviation]: 58.9 ± 11.6 years; sex [m:f]: 15:10) underwent a neck CT using an arm traction device together. Further 25 patients underwent this in standard positioning (59.8 ± 15.2 years; 16:9). An experienced neuroradiologist determined the last free accessible vertebra on the CT scout view and assessed the image quality of the intervertebral disc space of the lower neck on a three-point grading scale. The procedure was evaluated by the medical-technical radiology assistants performing it. RESULTS: The last free accessible vertebra on CT scout was statistically significant one vertebra lower using an arm traction device, yielding on average the sixth cervical vertebra (p = 0.010). Subjective image quality increased in all evaluated intervertebral disc spaces (median and absolute frequencies [good/middle/bad]: 1.0 [53/21/8] vs. 2.0 [41/30/24]), resulting in a statistically significant effect between the cervical vertebra 6/7 (p = 0.0041). The traction device approach was rated to be suitable for daily routine in the categories of patient's cooperation (good), comprehensibility for the patient (84%) and management for the assistants (good). CONCLUSION: Using an arm traction device on neck CT both the accessibility of vertebra on CT scout increased and image quality of the cervico-thoracic junction improved. The simply applicable device could be favourable for cooperative patients with lower neck pathology.