1. A method for medical image processing and 3-dimensional image construction of an examination subject, comprising the activities of: enabling a user to selectively orient an x-ray imaging system having a variable 3-dimensional acquisition axis relative to an examination subject support for holding an examination subject; setting a non-planar image data acquisition path including a radio-opaque object within the examination subject for the x-ray imaging system oriented around the variable 3-dimensional acquisition axis in response to user instruction; initiating acquisition of image data representing, a plurality of images of the examination subject including a radio-opaque object within the examination subject by the x-ray imaging system at a corresponding plurality of points along the non-planar image data acquisition path and a plurality of images of the examination subject excluding said radio-opaque object at a corresponding plurality of points along the non-planar image data acquisition path; constructing a 3-dimensional image from the acquired image data both including and excluding said radio-opaque object such that image artifacts introduced by said radio-opaque object within the examination subject are diffused over a volume and reduced; and displaying the 3-dimensional image.