The CT scanning system of the present invention includes a source and detector mounted to a c-arm. The c-arm is positioned on a mounting plate and ball screw to rotate about an axis centered within the c-arm and to also translates along the axis of rotation. A computer controls the rotation of the CT scanner, the x-ray source, and collects the data from the detector to create an image. The CT scanner first takes a scout scan prior to the full acquisition of the data. The scout scan is a single two-dimension image. The CPU draws locating marks on the scout scan image to indicate the desired location. When proper alignment is verified, the processor then controls the motor to perform one complete revolution of the c-arm, during which time the computer collects multiple images from the detector.