Patent ID: 8656918

Claim:
A system for imaging a body part having a skeletal structure lying within the body part, and a plurality of areas of compression on the external surface of the system comprising: a first projectable member operable to press a first paddle inwardly against the body part to a first pressing distance selectable for the first paddle; and a second projectable member coupled to the first projectable member and operable to press a second paddle inwardly against the body part to a second pressing distance selectable for the second paddle, wherein the first paddle and second paddle are externally disposable in opposition to each other around the longest length of the body part, wherein each paddle is adapted to extend substantially the longest length of the skeletal structure lying within the body part, wherein a narrowest width of each paddle is adapted to be at least approximately 15% of the body part width, wherein broadest width of each paddle is adapted to permit a plurality of noncompressed areas between each paddle for displacement of tissue of the body part when the first paddle is operated to the first pressing distance and the second paddle is operated to the second pressing distance, wherein the first pressing distance and the second pressing distance are selected in such a way as to be adapted to prevent substantial movement of the skeletal structure within the body part.