AN ADAPTABLE HEAD RETENTION AND ALIGNMENT DEVICE FOR COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY SCANNING OF MACACA-MULATTA

An adaptable retention device has been developed for the purpose of ho lding and aligning the head of a sedated primate subject during comput ed tomography (CT) scan procedures. The device is used to obtain a clo se reproduction of CT scan studies at a time before and after dental i mplant placement in the mandibles of nine subjects. Geometric and mate rial properties are extracted from these studies for the purpose of de veloping finite elements computer models. The device is constructed of low-density acrylic and consists of a horizontal base to which latera l supports are affixed. The device is placed on the CT table and axial ly aligned with the scan beam. Repeatable, calibrated CT studies of pr imate implant subjects were possible using the head holding device.