Intraoperative collapsable CT imaging system

An imaging system includes a source and a detector that can be quickly and easily moved out of the way after scanning. During scanning, the actual paths that the source and detector travel are tracked, such as by an associated surgical navigation system tracking system. The actual locations of the source and detector during each x-ray image are used in the image reconstruction algorithm. Since the actual locations are used in the algorithm, the locations do not have to be as precisely controlled. In one embodiment, the source and detector are mounted proximate outer ends of first and second c-arm sections. The first and second c-arm sections are extendable to form a complete c-arm and retractable to a collapsed position when not in use. In the disclosed embodiment, the c-arm sections are mounted to a base or carriage under the patient support surface (such as the surgical table).