Weightbearing simulation assembly and methods of using the same to image a subject

A subject imaging assembly comprising:

• a support platform extending in a first direction, the support platform comprising an engagement element;
• an imaging system comprising a gantry, the gantry comprising an opening;
• a weightbearing simulation assembly disposed on the support platform, the weightbearing simulation assembly comprising:
• a substrate coupled to the engagement element of the support platform, the substrate comprising a mounting surface extending in the first direction;
• a subject support disposed on a first region of the mounting surface, the subject support rotatable about an axis of rotation to facilitate positioning the subject support relative to the gantry;
• and
• a pedal assembly disposed on a second region of the mounting surface, wherein the pedal assembly is spaced apart from the subject support by a distance in the first direction, the pedal assembly comprising:
• a spring assembly comprising a contact plate facing the subject support, a compression plate, and a spring disposed between the contact plate and the compression plate, the spring extending in a compression direction;
• a motion limiter extending from the compression plate, wherein an end of the motion limiter is disposed between the compression plate and the carrier plate to limit a range of motion of the contact plate in the compression direction;
• a pedal support assembly disposed on the mounting surface, the pedal support assembly supporting the spring assembly on the mounting surface;
• and
• an actuator coupled to the substrate of the weightbearing simulation assembly, the actuator configured to move the weightbearing simulation assembly in the first direction such that the pedal assembly is disposed within the opening to generate an image.

A method of capturing an image of a lower extremity of a subject, the method comprising:

• positioning a subject on a subject support of a weight simulation assembly disposed on a support platform of an imaging system, wherein the weight simulation assembly comprises a substrate extending in the first direction, a subject support disposed on a first region of the substrate, and a pedal assembly disposed on a second region of the substrate, wherein the pedal assembly is spaced apart from the subject support by a distance in the first direction;
• adjusting a motion limiter disposed between a contact plate facing the subject support and a compression plate of the pedal assembly so as to change a range of motion of the contact plate within the pedal assembly in a compression direction and create a load tailored to the subject when the contact plate is in a fully pressed position;
• adjusting a relative angle between the compression direction and the first direction so as to adjust an angle of the lower extremity in the pedal assembly;
• positioning the weightbearing simulation assembly relative to a gantry of an imaging system such that the pedal assembly is disposed within an opening of the gantry;
• and
• once the subject applies the load tailored to the subject to the contact plate via the lower extremity so as to bring the contact plate in contact with the motion limiter, capturing an image of the lower extremity using the imaging system.