WO2020049450A1

WO2020049450A1 - Improved radiological imaging device for limbs

Info

Publication number: WO2020049450A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/057403
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leonardo Manetti; Damiano Fortuna; Giovanni De Santis; Alessandro Mazzoni
Original assignee: Imaginalis SRL
Current assignee: Imaginalis SRL
Priority date: 2018-09-03
Filing date: 2019-09-03
Publication date: 2020-03-12
Anticipated expiration: 2021-03-03

Abstract

A radiological imaging device (1) is provided adapted to be used for the analysis of a limb (10) of a patient comprising a first module (2) comprising a source (21) adapted to emit radiation; a second module (3) comprising a detector (31); a footboard (4) defining an internal volume (4e); an external surface (4a) for supporting at least one of said pair of limbs (10) and one of the modules (2, 3); the external surface (4a) comprises a support area (4c) defining a main axis (4d); the footboard (4) comprises a movement unit (41) adapted to move the module (2, 3) along a movement path (4f) by varying the distance of the main axis (4d).

Description

IMPROVED RADIOLOGICAL IMAGING DEVICE FOR LIMBS

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an improved radiological imaging device for limbs of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

In particular, the device is adapted to be used in the medical/diagnostic field for the acquisition of images of the lower limbs of humans and in the veterinary field for the acquisition of images of the front and/or back limbs.

The currently known radiological imaging devices are equipped with a gantry and a patient support structure.

The gantry has an annular casing defining an analysis area and inside of which the sensor and the source are located, as well as the various movement and control members of the source and of the detector.

The support is a horizontal bed on which the patient lies down and is adapted to be inserted in the analysis area enabling the placement of the limbs in said area and, therefore, between the source and the detector.

The above-mentioned prior art has some significant drawbacks.

A first drawback is that it is practically impossible to perform tomography or other imaging of the relevant limb alone from any angle.

In fact, the patient's limbs are both located within the analysis area and, therefore, the rotation of the source and of the detector require the acquisition of images of both limbs.

To solve these problems, special supports have been designed on which to place the only limb to be analysed leaving the other limb outside of the gantry or that enable the distinct positioning of the limbs.

Patent documents CH 692378, US 2011/231995, US 6378149 describe examples of these supports.

These supports, while improving this drawback, do not allow an optimal and complete capturing of the limb.

They are almost entirely limited to use in human medicine, while they are not usable in the veterinary field and, above all, with horses or other large and medium sized animals.

In fact, the great weight and size of these animals cause great difficulties in positioning the animal on the support and, often, require both the use of sedatives to put the animal to sleep and the use of gantry cranes or other means to shift the animal.

Another drawback is determined by the fact that these supports require the patient to assume unnatural and, therefore, uncomfortable positions of the limbs that have to be kept for the entire acquisition time.

This problem is particularly evident in tomographies where, due to their long duration, the limb may be shifted thus forcing the acquisition to be repeated.

Last but not least, all the devices described above are impossible to transport due to their large dimensions and, therefore, require the animal to be transported in special structures.

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to design an improved radiological imaging device for limbs capable of substantially overcoming at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

As part of this technical task, it is an important purpose of the invention to have an imaging device that allows you to have, in a simple and fast way, a high quality X- ray image regardless of the physical characteristics of the patient or of the portion of the relevant limb. Another important task of the preent invention is to obtain an imaging device that enables the patient to assume a comfortable position and, therefore, one that is easy to keep throughout the analysis time.

The technical task and specified purposes are achieved with an improved radiological imaging device as claimed in the appended Claim 1. Examples of preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention are clearly evident from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows, to scale, a radiological imaging device for limbs according to the invention

Fig. 2 illustrates, to scale, a top view of the radiological imaging device for limbs according to the invention;

Fig. 3 presents, to scale, an assembly of the radiological imaging device:

Fig. 4 displays, to scale, a detail of the imaging device;

Fig. 5 is a scaled view of a different radiological imaging device for limbs according to the invention;

Fig. 6a presents, to scale, an alternative assembly to that in Fig. 4; and

Fig. 6b displays, to scale, a second view of the assembly of Fig. 6a.

In the present document, the measures, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when used with words like "about" or other similar terms such as "approximately" or "substantially", are to be understood as except for measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors and, above all, except for a slight divergence from the value, measure, shape, or geometric reference which it is associated with. For example, these terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a divergence of not more than 10% of said value.

In addition, when used, terms such as "first", "second", "upper", "lower", "main" and "secondary" do not necessarily refer to an order, a priority relationship or relative position, but may simply be used to more clearly distinguish different components from each other.

The measurements and data presented herein are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as carried out in ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533).

Except where specified otherwise, as evidenced by the discussions below, it should be noted that terms such as "processing", "computer", "determination", "calculation", or the like, refer to the action and/or a processes of a computer or similar electronic calculation device, which handles and/or processes data represented as physical, electronic, sizes of logs of a computer system and/or memories in other data similarly represented as physical quantities inside computer systems, logs or other information storage, transmission, or display devices.

With reference to the figures, the number 1 globally denotes the radiological imaging device for limbs according to the invention.

The device 1 is adapted to be used in the veterinary and/or human field to acquire radiological images of a limb 10. Specifically, it is adapted to perform radiological imaging of the lower limbs of a human patient and of the front/rear limbs of an animal patient. More specifically, the imaging device 1 can be used in the veterinary field to obtain radiological images of the front/rear limbs.

The radiological imaging device 1 is adapted to operate at least one of the following: radiography, computed tomography, and fluoroscopy. Preferably, it can perform either an X-ray or a computed tomography or a fluoroscopy.

The radiological imaging device 1 (Fig. 1 ) comprises a first module 2; a second module 3, and a footboard 4 defining an external surface 4a for supporting at least one module 2 and/or 3.

Preferably the external surface 4a is only for supporting the second module 3.

The first module 2 comprises a source 21 adapted to emit radiation conveniently defining an emission axis 2a and a focal spot.

The emission axis 2a is substantially parallel to the external surface 4a.

The source 21 comprises an X-ray emitter 4 defining the emission axis 2a and, optionally, a tilting mechanism adapted to rotate the X-ray emitter 4 conveniently around a tilting axis approximately perpendicular to the emission axis 2a, and conveniently passing through the focal spot of the emitter so as to keep the focal spot almost still.

The second module 3 comprises a detector 31 adapted to receive the output radiation from the first module 2 after it has passed through the limb 10.

The detector 31 defines a surface that is sensitive 3a to radiation and, specifically, to X-rays 4. Said surface 3a is perpendicular to the emission axis 2a.

The detector 31 comprises at least one sensor defining the sensitive surface 3a and is adapted to perform tomography, fluoroscopy, and/or X-ray scans, for example, on the basis of a command given by the operator.

The sensor may have one or more of: a linear sensor and, preferably, two linear sensors defining substantially coplanar sensitive surfaces; a rectangular sensor, referred to as a flat panel sensor, preferably adapted to adjust the area of the active sensitive surface; a direct photon counting sensor; a dual energy sensor; a concave sensor with the concavity facing the emission axis 2a; a variable geometry sensor: flat or concave.

It may comprise a flag-waving device adapted to shift the sensor along a flag-waving axis approximately parallel to the sensitive surface 3a.

The second module 3 comprises a casing defining a containment volume for at least the detector 31 .

The casing is made of polymeric material, preferably acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or other radiotransparent material so as to be crossed by the radiation emitted by the source 21 . Preferably, it is at least partially made of foam or radiotransparent and damper material so as to absorb shocks or other external stresses.

The second module 3 may comprise a detector lift 31 in relation to the external surface 4a.

The lift is adapted to shift the detector 31 perpendicularly to the external surface 4a. It defines a detector 31 stroke approximately equal to at least 1 cm and, specifically, substantially between 1 cm and 100 cm and, to be precise, between 1 cm and 50 cm.

The lift is inside the containment volume.

In addition, the second module 3 may comprise, preferably arranged in the casing, at least one of: a battery adapted to supply at least the detector 31 and the lift.

The second module 3 may comprise a trolley 32 to which the detector 31 is attached and which is adapted to rest on the external surface 4a. Specifically, it is passive, i.e. it does not move on its own and can, therefore, be moved, for example, manually by an operator.

The trolley 32 may have idle pivoting wheels or other means adapted to enable the second module 3 to slide idly along the external surface 4a.

During acquisition, i.e. when the device 1 is in use, the external surface 4a is approximately horizontal. In this document, horizontal and vertical indicate respectively a perpendicular and parallel direction with respect to the gravitational gradient.

The footboard 4, as illustrated in Fig. 1 , defines a median sagittal plane 4b. In use, the median sagittal plane of the patient is substantially parallel and, specifically, coincides with the median sagittal plane 4b of the footboard 4.

During acquisition on the external surface 4a it is adapted to support at least the limb 10 to be analysed. Conveniently, the external surface 4a is for supporting a pair of limbs 10 and, conveniently, the whole patient.

On the external surface 4a it is adapted to support at least one module 2 and/or 3, conveniently, between one pair of limbs 10 and, preferably, only the second module 3 between one pair of limbs 10.

In this document, in the case of a bipedal patient, the pair of limbs 10 is preferably the lower limbs, while in the case of a quadruped patient, the pair of limbs 10 can either be the front limbs or the rear limbs.

The external surface 4a has at least one support area 4c identifying a portion of the external surface 4a on which the limb 10 rests during acquisition and around which the modules 2 and 3 can be moved. Specifically, it comprises at least one pair of support areas 4c, i.e. one support area 4c for each limb 10 of a pair of limbs 10. More specifically, the external surface 4a has a pair of support areas 4c for each pair of limbs 10 resting on the external surface 4a.

Each support area 4c defines a main axis 4d substantially perpendicular to the external surface 4a.

The main axis 4d is substantially barycentric to the support area 4c.

In use, i.e. with a lower limb resting on the support area 4c, the main axis 4d can be substantially parallel (preferably approximately identical) to the axis of the lower limb. Alternatively, in use, the main axis 4d is transverse to the axis of the limb defining a spread angle and preferably substantially coplanar to said axis of the lower limb. The spread angle can be approximately less than 20°, specifically 15°, conveniently, 10°, and, more conveniently, 5°.

As described in detail below, the main axis can conveniently identify the acquisition axis of the modules 2 and 3 at any time during the acquisition of at least one radiological image. The main axis 4d defines the axis on which the modules 2 and 3 move during acquisition along the trajectory and path described below, respectively.

Said support areas 4c of a pair of support areas 4c substantially mirror the median sagittal plane 4b. Therefore, the scanning axes 4d are on opposite sides and equidistant from the median sagittal plane 4b.

The footboard 4 comprises a movement unit 41 of at least one module 2 and/or 3 and, preferably, of only the second module 3 and defines an internal housing volume 4e of at least part of the unit 41.

The movement unit 41 is almost entirely housed in the internal volume 4e.

The movement unit 41 defines for each support area 4c a movement path 4f for the second module 3.

In order to enable the unit 41 located in the internal volume 4e to control the movement of the second module 3 located and, in particular, resting on the external surface 4a, the footboard 4 may comprise a slit 42 for each trajectory 4f counter- shaped to said trajectory 4f and through which the unit 41 engages with the second module 3 as described below.

The slits 42 of a pair of support areas 4c are interposed between the support areas 4c of a pair of areas 4c and mirror each other. They mirror the median sagittal plane 4b.

The movement unit 41 moves at least the modules 2 or 3 along the movement path 4f, adjusting, at least along a section and, specifically, along the totality of the path 4a, the distance of the module 2 and/or 3 from the support area 4c and, to be precise, from the main axis 4d.

The movement unit 41 moves the first module 2 by varying the distance of the focal spot from the support area 4c and, to be precise, from the main axis 4d. In particular, the movement unit 41 moves the first module 2 along the movement path 4f, keeping the emission axis 2a substantially incident and conveniently perpendicular to the main axis 4d.

In a preferred alternative, the movement unit 41 moves the second module 3 by adjusting the distance of the sensitive surface 3a from the support area 4c and, to be precise, from the main axis 4d. In particular, it moves the second module 3 along the movement path 4f, keeping the sensitive surface 3a substantially parallel to the main axis 4d.

The movement path 4a is at least partly rectilinear and conveniently parallel to the median sagittal plane 4b. It can be all rectilinear. Alternatively, the movement path 4a, as shown in Fig. 5, may be partially rectilinear and comprise an arched portion, preferably an elliptical one, at at least one end (or alternatively at both ends).

In a preferred alternative the path 4a is, specifically totally, elliptical and, to be precise, an arc of an ellipse.

It has an eccentricity approximately equal to 0.3, precisely 0.4, more precisely 0.5. It is preferably substantially between 0.4 and 0.7 and, specifically, between 0.5 and

0.6. The distance between the focuses of the path 4f is approximately between 10 cm and 100 cm and, specifically, between 25 cm and 70 cm.

The angular width of the movement path 4f, calculated in relation to the main axis 4d, is approximately equal to 180° and, specifically, to 210°. It is substantially 210°. Conveniently, the normal to the median sagittal plane 4b passing through the main axis 4d divides the movement path 4f and, in particular, into two portions of different angular extension. It should be noted that, in the case of two pairs of support areas 4c, the portion of the external movement path of said two pairs 4c has an angular extension less than the internal extension of said two pairs.

The elliptical movement path 4f defines a minor axis that is substantially transverse and, specifically, approximately perpendicular to the median sagittal plane 4b.

Said minor axis of the movement path 4f is incident to the main axis 4d. Specifically, the focus of the elliptical trajectory 4f proximal to a support area 4c is on the main axis 4d.

Alternatively, the focus of the elliptical movement path 4f proximal to a support area 4c is not on the main axis 4d. Specifically, the horizontal distance between the minor axis of the path 4f and the main axis 4d is approximately equal to 2 cm and, specifically, substantially between 2 cm and 20 cm and, specifically, between 4 cm and 10 cm. It should be noted that, in the case of two pairs of support areas 4c, the horizontal distance between the minor axis of the path 4f and the main axis 4d is external to said two pairs 4c.

Said minor axis has a length substantially equal to at least 30 cm and, specifically, 40 cm. It is conveniently between 60 cm and 80 cm.

The movement unit 41 is adapted to move the second module 3 along the movement path 4f, keeping the normal to the sensitive surface 3a, conveniently passing through the barycentre of the same surface 3a, approximately incident to the main axis 4d.

For this purpose, the movement unit 41 comprises a rotation member 411 defining a rotation axis 41a; a second guide 412 defining a sliding axis 41 b approximately radial to the rotation axis 41 a and adapted to be rotated by said rotation member 41 1 ; and a second slider 413 adapted to be bound, through the slit 42, to the second module 3 and sliding along said guide 412.

The rotation axis 41 a is substantially parallel and in particular coincides with the main axis 4d of the support area 4c.

The second guide 412 can be prismatic or another similar solution adapted to enable the second slider 413 exclusively to slide along the sliding axis 41 b.

The movement unit 41 comprises an attachment 414 that binds the second module 3 to the second slider 413.

The attachment 414 defines an engagement position wherein it binds the second module 3 to the second slider 413, which can then drag the second module 3; and a disengagement position wherein the attachment 414 does not bind the movement unit 41 to the second module 3, preventing the slider 413 from dragging the second module 3.

The attachment 414 may comprise at least one plug and one actuator adapted to move the plug perpendicularly along the external surface 4a so that in the engagement position the plug protrudes through the slit 42 from the external surface 4a engaging the second module 3; and in the disengagement position the plug does not protrude from the external surface 4a disengaging the movement unit 41 from the second module 3.

In addition, in the case of more than one support area 4c, the footboard 4 comprises a conveyor of the movement unit 41 , which is almost entirely located within the internal volume 4e.

The conveyor moves the movement unit 41 to the external surface 4a enabling the movement unit 41 to define more acquisition positions in each of which the movement unit 41 moves the second module around a support area 4c.

In each acquisition position, the conveyor has a rotation axis 41 a substantially parallel and, in particular, coinciding with the main axis 4d of a support area 4c. This conveyor is defined on page 18 between lines 8-24; on page 23, lines 18-22 and in Fig. 8-9 of the patent MI2015A000264 included here for reference.

Finally, the radiological imaging device 1 may comprise a support 5 supporting the first module 2.

The support 5 is structurally separated from the footboard 4 and therefore the support 5 and the footboard 4 are reciprocally movable.

The support 5 comprises a control unit, such as a computer, for the operation of the X-ray imaging device 1 .

The support 5 comprises a movement apparatus 51 of the first module 2 defining a transport route 5a of the first module 2.

It should be noted that the emission axis is, during the sliding of the first module 3 along the transport route 5a incident to the main axis 4d and, conveniently, substantially perpendicular to the main axis 4d. Preferably, the emission axis is always perpendicular to the sensitive surface 3a and convenient for scanning it. The transport path 5a lies on a substantially horizontal plane.

It is substantially parallel to the external surface 4a.

The angular width of the transport path 5a is approximately equal to at least 180° and, specifically, to 210°. It is substantially 210°. This width is calculated during acquisition with respect to the main axis 4b.

The transport path 5a can be elliptical.

The transport path 5a can have an eccentricity of approximately less than 0.5 and, specifically, of 0.4 and, to be precise, substantially between 0 and 0.4.

The path 5a has a minor axis substantially transverse and, specifically, approximately perpendicular to the median sagittal plane 4b.

During acquisition, the minor axis of the transport path 5a may be incident to the main axis 4d. Specifically, the focus of the path 5a proximal to a support area 4c is on the main axis 4d.

Alternatively, during acquisition, the focus of the transport path 5a proximal to a support area 4c is not on the main axis 4d. Specifically, the horizontal distance between the minor axis and the transport path 5a and the main axis 4d is approximately at least equal to 2 cm and, specifically, substantially between 2 cm and 20 cm and, more specifically, between 4 cm and 10 cm.

During acquisition, the support 5 is positioned with reference to the footboard 4, enabling the correct reciprocal positioning of the paths 4f and 5a and, therefore, the correct alignment between the source 21 and the detector 31 during imaging.

The radiological imaging device 1 may comprise a spatial reference member 6 between the support 5 and the footboard 4.

The spatial reference member 6 can be mechanical and for example comprise a first attachment 61 integral to the footboard 4 and at least a second attachment 62 integral to the support and able to be engaged, preferably impermanently, to the first attachment 61 , thus firmly binding the support 5 to the footboard 4.

The reference member 6 preferably comprises a second attachment 62 for each support area 4c so as to enable the correct arrangement of the support 2 with respect to any limb 10.

The movement apparatus 51 comprises a first guide 511 defining the transport path 5a; and a first slider 512 sliding along said first guide 51 1 and supporting said first module 2.

The movement apparatus 51 may comprise a movement member 513 of the first guide 51 1 along the transport path 5a adapted to define a stroke of the desired angular width of the first slider 512.

The support 5 comprises a translator adapted to move the movement apparatus 51 and, therefore, the first module 2 along a transfer axis.

The transfer axis is substantially perpendicular to the transport path 5a.

The transfer axis is substantially vertical.

The support 5 comprises a regulator adapted to move the first module 2 along an adjustment axis substantially parallel to the emission axis.

The support 5, in order to enable the first module 2 to move around each support area 4c, can be mobile and, therefore, can comprise wheels or other means of movement of the same support 5 along a walkable surface.

The radiological imaging device 1 can comprise connectors adapted to enable an energy and/or data exchange between the support 5 (and therefore the first module 2) and the footboard 4 (and therefore the second module 3).

Said connectors are adapted to enable the control unit of the support 5 to enter into a data exchange connection and, therefore, to control the footboard 4 and in particular the second module 3.

The connectors can be physical (e.g. wired and integrated in said attachments 61 and 62) or wireless.

The operation of the radiological imaging device 1 described above in structural terms, is as follows.

Initially, the patient, for example an animal such as a medium sized horse, is lifted up by placing each limb 10 of each pair of limbs 10 resting on the external surface 4a in a support area of 4c.

At this point, the second module 3 is located between the limbs 10 of a pair of limbs 10, that is between two support areas 4c, and the movement unit 41 is engaged to the second module 3.

Therefore, the support 5, thanks to the reference member 6, is bound and positioned with reference to the footboard 4 so that both movement paths 5a and 4f are positioned with respect to the support area 4c.

The control unit now activates the source 21 and the detector 31 and commands the movement units 41 and 51 to move the modules 2 and 3 along their respective movement paths 5a and 4f by acquiring images for radiological imaging.

It should be noted that the movement units 41 and 51 move the source 21 and detector 31 along their respective movement paths 5a and 4f so that, conveniently at each moment of the acquisition of the radiological image, the acquisition axis of the modules 2 and 3 is the main axis 4d.

The radiological imaging device 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages.

A first advantage is given by the simplicity of the positioning of a patient, animal or human, guaranteed by the definition of an external surface 4a free of objects.

An important advantage is given by the particular movement path 4f that, being elliptical, enables the second module to slide between the limbs 10 without hitting them.

In addition, having only one of the modules on the footboard 4 enables you to have both a smaller footboard size and an easier construction.

The invention may be varied in ways included within the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the claims.

In a first example, the transport path 5a, as an alternative to being elliptical, can be circular (i.e. have a constant radius) with, conveniently, a radius substantially greater than 30 cm, specifically of 50 cm, and, to be precise, approximately between 50 cm and 100 cm and, specifically, between 60 cm 80 cm.

In a second example, the movement unit 41 moves at least the modules 2 or 3 along the circular movement path 4f, i.e. without adjusting the distance of the module 2 and/or 3 from the support area 4c and, to be precise, from the main axis 4d.

In a third example, the movement unit 41 may additionally comprise an ellipsograph 415 (Fig. 6a and 6b) adapted to control a movement of the second slider 413 along the elliptical movement path 4f.

The ellipsograph 415 defines the movement of the second module along the movement path 4f. It can be an Archimedes ellipsograph (also called the trammel of Archimedes, or the cross or Proco ellipsograph).

It comprises a platform 415a comprising two rails 415b defining movement axes 415c; two shuttles 415d, each of which is adapted to slide along a rail 415b; and a rod 415e hinged to said shuttles 415d and to the second slider 413.

The rod 415d defines a prevalent extension axis.

It should be noted that the distance, calculated along the main axis of extension of the rod 415d, between the shuttles 415d and, in particular, between the hinge points of the shuttles 415d to the rod 415e defines the shape of the elliptical movement path 4f.

The movement axes 415c are perpendicular to each other and conveniently incident to each other on the rotation axis 41 a.

The platform 415a is bound to the rotation member 41 1 and therefore rotates around the rotation axis 41 a.

The ellipsograph 415 can be adjustable and, in particular, adapted to adjust the movement path 4f. Preferably, it is adapted to adjust the shape and, in particular, the eccentricity of the movement path 4f, adapting it to the distance between the limbs and, therefore, to the size of the animal.

For this purpose, the ellipsograph may comprise an adjustment member 415f for the elliptical movement path 4f.

The adjustment member 415f is adapted to vary the movement path by adjusting the distance, calculated along the main axis of extension of the rod 415d, between the shuttles 415d and, in particular, between the hinge points of the shuttles 415d to the rod 415e.

The member 415f may comprise at least one slide eyelet for a shuttle 415d; and means of locking the rod 415e to the shuttle 451 b.

The eyelet is adapted to enable at least one shuttle 415b to slide with respect to the rod 415d by adjusting the distance between the shuttles 415b along the same rod 415e. This eyelet therefore enables the eccentricity of the movement path 4f to be adjusted.

The locking means are conveniently adapted to enable - manually or automatically - to firmly lock the rod 415e to the shuttle 415b or to enable a sliding between the rod 415e and the shuttle 415b, by adjusting said distance between the shuttles 415b.

As an alternative to the eyelet, the adjustment member 415f may comprise, for at least one shuttle 415d, a plurality of engagement holes of the shuttle itself to the rod 415e.

In another alternative, the adjustment member 415f may comprise a rod adjustment member 415d along the main axis of extension of the same rod 415d. It may therefore comprise a telescopic body interposed between the hinge points of the shuttles 415d to the same rod 415e. Specifically, the adjustment member 415f could be integrated into the rod 415d and, therefore, be a telescopic rod 415d along the main axis of extension of the same rod 415d.

At least in the case of the adjustment rod 415f, the footboard 4 may be free of slits 42 and comprise at least one opening (of any shape) through which the movement unit 41 engages and controls the movement of the second module 3.

In addition, the footboard 4 may comprise a cover, conveniently radiotransparent, of said opening.

The cover defines a housing for the second module 3 that, therefore, moves inside said housing.

It should be noted that the first, second, and third examples can be implemented at the same time.

In said context all the details may be replaced with equivalent elements and the materials, shapes, and sizes may be as desired.

Claims

CLAI M S

1. A radiological imaging device (1 ) adapted to be used for the analysis of a limb (10) of a patient; said patient comprising at least one pair of said limbs (10); said radiological imaging device comprising

- a first module (2) comprising a source (21 ) adapted to emit radiation;

- a second module (3) comprising a detector (31 ) adapted to receive said radiation;

- characterised in that it comprises

- a footboard (4) defining

o an internal volume (4e);

o an external surface (4a) for supporting at least one of said pair of limbs (10) and at least one of said modules (2, 3) between said pair of limbs (10); and

o said external surface (4a) comprising a support area (4c) defining a main axis (4d) substantially perpendicular to said external surface (4a);

- and in that

- said footboard (4) comprises, housed in said internal volume (4e), a movement unit (41 ) adapted to move said at least one module (2, 3) along a movement path (4f) by varying the distance of said at least one module (2, 3) from said main axis (4d).

2. The radiological imaging device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein, in addition to said at least one of said pair of limbs (10), only said second module (3) rests on said external surface (4a); and wherein said movement unit (41 ) is adapted only to move said second module (3) along said movement path (4f).

3. The radiological imaging device (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein said movement path (4f) is elliptical.

4. The radiological imaging device (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein said movement path (4f) is at least partially rectilinear and at least at one end comprises a curved portion.

5. The radiological imaging device (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein said footboard (4) comprises at least one slit (42) counter-shaped with respect to said path (4f) and through which said movement unit (41 ) engages and moves said at least one module (2, 3).

6. The radiological imaging device (1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 - 4, wherein said movement unit (41 ) comprises an ellipsograph (415) adapted to control a movement of said second slider (413) along an elliptical movement path (4f); and wherein said footboard (4) comprises an opening of any shape through which said movement unit (41 ) engages and controls the movement of said at least one second module (2, 3).

7. The radiological imaging device (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein said ellipsograph (415) is adjustable and therefore adapted to vary the eccentricity of said movement path (4f).

8. The radiological imaging device (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein said detector (31 ) defines a surface (3a) sensitive to said radiation; and wherein said movement unit (41 ) is adapted to move said second module (3) along said movement path while keeping the normal to said sensitive surface (3a) substantially incident to said main axis (4d).

9. The radiological imaging device (1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising a support (5) supporting said first module (2) and comprising a movement apparatus (51 ) defining a transport path (5a) for said first module (2); said support (5) is structurally separated from said footboard (4).

10. The radiological imaging device (1 ) according to the preceding claim, comprising a spatial reference member (6) between said support (5) and said footboard (4) adapted to spatially reference said support (5) relative to said footboard (4) and thus said first module (2) relative to said second module (3).