Effects of rigid fixation device composition on three-dimensional computed axial tomography imaging: direct measurements on a pig model.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the amount of scatter produced by titanium plates versus Vitallium (Howmedica, Rutherford, NJ) plates. Software was also evaluated to determine its effectiveness in removing the scatter and clarifying the underlying anatomy.


METHODS
Miniplating and microplating systems composed of Vitallium or titanium were placed on the nasal and frontal bones of three adult pig heads. A computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan was then performed and a three-dimensional CAT scan was reconstructed using MediCad software (MediCad Inc, Cedar Knolls, NJ). The amount of scatter for each plating system was quantitated using the MediCad software measuring tool. The scatter was removed and the three-dimensional CAT scan was reconstructed to assess the clarification of the underlying anatomy.


RESULTS
No scatter was found with either the miniplating or the microplating system composed of titanium. The Vitallium plates did show significant amount of scatter with the mini, micro, and micromesh system. Removal of the scatter resulted in slight improvement in the anatomic detail.


CONCLUSIONS
Titanium plating systems do not cause any radiation scatter. The MediCad software system allows removal of the scatter found with the Vitallium plates, which helps clarify the underlying anatomy.
Barone
C M
CM
Cleft Lip and Palate Program, University of Missouri, Columbia 65212.
Eisig
S
S
Wallach
S
S
Mitnick
R
R
Mednick R [corrected to Mitnick
R ]
R]
D000818:Animals; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D016268:Internal Fixators; D009295:Nasal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012984:Software; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013552:Swine; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014800:Vitallium / Q000737:chemistry
D014800:Vitallium; D014025:Titanium