Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is an X-ray-based 3D imaging technique that uses a cone-shaped beam and a flat-panel detector to generate volumetric datasets. The technique was originally established in dentistry and otorhinolaryngology. CBCT imaging is now also becoming increasingly important in neurosurgery, particularly for intraoperative navigation, spinal surgery, and interventional procedures[^1] [^2] [^3] [^4].
Technique
In CBCT, the X-ray source rotates once around the patient and captures the examination volume in a single rotation. The dataset is then transformed into a 3D volume using reconstruction algorithms. Image quality is particularly excellent for bony structures, whereas soft-tissue visualization remains inferior to that of conventional CT.