ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the additional diagnostic value of 3D CT imaging for articular fracture in trauma patients as a supplement to standart axial CT.

34 cases referred consecutively from emergency and orthopedics clinics (ave-rage age 45 ± 9.1 age, M/F = 21/13) were prospectively examined in this study. 17 knee fractures, 8 ankle fractures, 4 elbow fractures, 3 acetabulum fractures, 2 shoulder fractures and 2 wrist fractures, in total 36 joint fractures were evaluated. The cases were evaluated with radiography, axial, multiplanar reformatted (MPR) and three dimensional (3D) CT images in terms of fractures, extension to articular surfaces, intraarticular fragments and displacement.

In 35 out of 36 fracture regions detected by CT (97.2%), the fracture line, articular extension and intraarticular bone fragments could be displayed with 3D CT (95% CI, 91.9-100.0%). Variables de-fined in one region (2.78%) were evaluated as suspicious (95% CI, 0-8.1%). The displacement detected with axial CT was shown with 3D CT as well in all regions.

In articular trauma cases giving proper positions for CT examination, 3D images did not pro-vide additional information to the information obtained by axial and MPR images. However, in terms of the fracture extension, fragment displacement and angulation that cannot have proper positioning or with complex anatomy such as pelvis or elbow, 3D images are beneficial in ensuring anatomic ori-entation and transferring these complex data to the clinician.

Keywords: Articular trauma; three dimensional CT; fracture; helical CT