Multidimensional Quality Evaluation of Imaging Performance for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Computed Tomography System.

Abstract

Core parameters of the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Computed Tomography System (MUCTS), such as spatial resolution, slice thickness, and three-dimensional reconstruction volume error, directly determine imaging performance and clinical diagnostic accuracy. To objectively and systematically assess the imaging quality and diagnostic reliability of this device, this study took the MUCTS developed by Weishi Medical Imaging Co., Ltd., as the test object. Multidimensional performance tests were carried out using standard ultrasound phantoms and polyurethane-based tissue-mimicking musculoskeletal phantoms. Under unified imaging and reconstruction parameters, key indicators, including effective detection radius, axial resolution, lateral resolution, imaging dead zone, slice thickness, geometric position accuracy, and three-dimensional reconstruction volume error, were quantitatively measured, and compliance verification was performed against product technical specifications. The test results demonstrated that the nominal center frequency was 3 MHz with a measured frequency deviation of 3%, and the effective detection radius reached 90 mm. Within the valid imaging range, the axial resolution was 0.5 mm, lateral resolution was 1 mm, imaging dead zone was 1 mm, and slice thickness was 3.2 mm. The relative error of geometric position accuracy was 3%, the relative deviations in perimeter and area measurements were both -1%, and the relative deviation in three-dimensional reconstructed volume was -8%. All indicators satisfied product technical requirements. Qualitative comparative experiments on tissue-mimicking phantoms confirmed that the system could reproduce multiscale and multi-contrast musculoskeletal anatomical features, and the acquired images showed favorable consistency with designed phantom targets. In conclusion, this musculoskeletal ultrasound tomographic system exhibits stable imaging performance and credible quantitative measurements, and can meet clinical and research demands for tomographic imaging and three-dimensional reconstruction of human musculoskeletal tissues.