title: Diagnostic value of 3D CT surface reconstruction in spinal fractures.
abstract: Our purpose was to evaluate the diagnostic value of three-dimensional (3 D) CT surface reconstruction in spinal fractures in comparison with axial and reformatted images. A total of 50 patients with different CT-proven spinal fractures were analysed retrospectively. Based on axial scans and reformatted images, the spinal fractures were classified according to several classifications as Magerl for the thoraco-lumbar and lower cervical spine by one radiologist. Another radiologist performed 3 D CT surface reconstructions with the aim of characterizing the different types of spinal fractures. A third radiologist classified the 3 D CT surface reconstruction according to the Magerl classification. The results of the blinded reading process were compared. It was checked to see in which type and subgroup 3 D surface reconstructions were helpful. Readers one and two obtained the same results in the classification. The 3 D surface reconstruction did not yield any additional diagnostic information concerning type A and B injuries. Indeed, the full extent of the fracture could be easier recognized with axial and reformatted images in all cases. In 10 cases of C injuries, the dislocation of parts of vertebrae could be better recognized with the help of 3 D reconstructions. A 3 D CT surface reconstruction is only useful in rotational and shear vertebral injuries (Magerl type C injury).
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 20 a, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kösling
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dietrich
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Steinecke
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Klöppel
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Schulz
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*