Smarter Surgical Planning Starts with Weight Bearing CT: Highlights from CurveBeam AI at the Robotic Knee Conference

At the forefront of orthopedic innovation, CurveBeam AI continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with weight bearing 3D imaging. During a recent presentation at the Robotic Knee Conference organized by the Belgian Knee Society, attendees got a deep dive into how HiRise—CurveBeam AI’s latest generation cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system—is transforming the surgical workflow and enhancing clinical decision-making across lower extremity applications.

Imaging Built for Precision and Performance

The HiRise provides low-dose*, high-resolution 3D scans via a dedicated computed tomography (CT) system for orthopedics.. Designed specifically for the lower extremities—including full leg scans—HiRise offers clear advantages in:

• Rotational alignment analysis
• Joint space visualization under load
• Preoperative planning for knee, foot, and ankle surgeries

Its compact footprint, easy installation, and seamless integration into outpatient or hospital imaging suites make it a flexible solution for practices of any size.

Dr. Arne Burssens, MD, PhD, Orthopedic Surgeon: “The Smart Robot Knows Rotation”

From a surgeon’s point of view, rotational alignment is a foundational yet often misunderstood component of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) planning. Dr. Arne Burssens, MD, PhD, highlighted the inconsistencies in how femoral version and tibial torsion are measured—underscoring the clinical need for standardized, reliable imaging protocols.

HiRise supports these standardized protocols by offering precise, reproducible 3D measurements that replace the guesswork of traditional slice-based CT interpretation.

One Imaging Modality. One Source of Truth.

A key takeaway from the session was the ability of HiRise to consolidate diagnostic and surgical planning imaging into a single exam. This means that orthopedic surgeons using robotic-assisted platforms no longer need to combine conventional supine CT with full-leg X-rays or external corrections.

With the addition of modules like Axiometrics, a patent pending software tool used to measure leg alignment in the axial plane (Axiometrics is available for research purposes only and is not approved for diagnostic use. Axiometrics is anticipated to be included in the CubeVue Autometrics measurement platform)—developed in collaboration with Professor Andy Goldberg, OBE—HiRise allows for landmark-based measurements and automated rotational analysis to be generated directly from the scan, all within minutes.

“You just select the landmarks and receive a full, automated report,” noted Dr. Burssens. “It’s no longer a matter of eyeballing alignment—it’s a matter of precise, software-driven guidance.”

A Real-World Example: Imaging That Impacts Outcomes

Dr. Burssens shared a compelling patient case in which a tibial deformity had been underestimated on initial evaluation. While it was assumed that a total knee could correct only five degrees of deviation, HiRise imaging revealed a more complex picture.

“We completed the HiRise scan, sent it to Newclip for planning, and executed the correction with precision guides,” he said. “The result was a clean realignment—and now the patient is fully ready for a successful total knee.”

This case illustrates how combining HiRise imaging and digital surgical planning platforms like Newclip enables orthopedic teams to improve preoperative confidence and long-term patient outcomes.

Cost-Efficient, Scalable, and Future-Ready

The presentation also touched on the economics of HiRise adoption. With a reimbursement of approximately (E)126 in Belgium, according to Dr. Burssens, most institutions achieve break-even in under three years by conducting just 5–6 scans per day—easily attainable when combining foot, ankle, and knee imaging volume.

Final Thoughts

From rotational planning to cost-efficiency, HiRise is paving the way for smarter orthopedic care—today and tomorrow.

Interested in learning more or seeing a demo of HiRise in action?

Contact our team or Schedule a consultation.

*Internal study overseen by Jaydev Dave, PhD, DABR, MS, FAAP. Abstract submitted for review.