Evaluation of Motion Correction Processing in Equine Bone Scintigraphy by Scheffe's Method of Paired Comparisons

: Equine bone scintigraphy is usually performed with horses in standing position under sedation. However, swaying motion often leads to poor-quality images. To examine the usefulness of motion correction (MC) processing, equine bone scintigrams were evaluated using Scheffe's method of paired comparisons. A significant difference in evaluation scores was detected by analysis of variance (F test, P<0.01). According to all observers, Yardstick analysis scores were higher for images use of MC processing than for those no use of MC processing, for all parts. Overall scores of 5 observers were as follows: without MC 100% acquisition time (AT, lowest), use of MC with 25% AT, MC 50% AT, MC 75% AT and MC 100% AT (highest). Thus, MC processing shortens AT in equine bone scintigraphy, and it contributes to a reduction in the external radiation exposure of nurses/technicians.