Abstract: A CT scanner includes a plurality of cone-beam x-ray sources offset along a CT axis. A detector is positioned opposite the x-ray sources. The x-ray sources and detector are rotatable about the CT axis. The x-ray sources direct x-rays through the patient that are received by the detector at a plurality of rotational positions, thereby generating projections from the plurality of x-ray sources that are used to construct the three-dimensional CT image of the patient.

Abstract: A CT scanning system provides the ability to scan a patient's lower extremities while the patent is upright, i.e. either standing on the foot, or at least putting some load on the foot, or with the ankle at a given angle. The CT scanning system provides a generally horizontal upper support surface on which the patient's foot is supported. A gantry supporting an x-ray source and x-ray detector are rotated about a z-axis through the support surface. With the CT scanning system, the patient's lower extremities can be scanned while under load.