Facial trauma and 3-D reconstructive imaging: insufficiencies and correctives.
OBJECTIVE
To address the clinical relevance of and optimal technique for 3-D CT imaging of facial trauma.


METHODS
Bioengineered cadaveric models were developed to enhance the concepts of LeFort. Diverse CT imaging techniques were applied to obtain optimal data sets for processing on various 3-D workstations. The fidelity of the 3-D reconstructions was determined by comparison with photographs of the cadaveric models. Optimized 3-D images were then used in conjunction with the initial 2-D data sets to assess whether additional accuracy was contributed by the 3-D images in the evaluation of modeled facial fractures.


RESULTS
Image definition was heavily dependent upon the specific 3-D reconstruction algorithm and the processor utilized. Orbital fractures were best imaged when 1- to 1.5-mm coronal sections were processed on an advanced 3-D workstation. The 3-D CT images resulted in additional accuracy in the 2-D CT evaluation of facial fractures in 29% of trials.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe that bioengineered models of facial trauma--matched with appropriate CT scanning parameters--facilitate graphically reliable 3-D reconstructive imaging. 3-D reconstructions can improve accuracy in the 2-D CT evaluation of facial trauma.
Levy
R A
RA
Department of Radiology, State University of New York Health Science Center, Syracuse.
Edwards
W T
WT
Meyer
J R
JR
Rosenbaum
A E
AE
D000465:Algorithms; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008961:Models, Structural; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*