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 for the x-ray imaging system oriented around the variable 3-dimensional acquisition axis in response to user instruction; initiating acquisition of image data of the examination subject by the x-ray imaging system at a plurality of points along the non-planar image data acquisition path; constructing a 3-dimensional image from the acquired image data such that any metal artifacts introduced by radio-opaque objects within the examination subject are minimized; and displaying the 3-dimensional image.