title: [Clinical application of three-dimensional spiral CT in the complex maxillofacial fractures].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of the three-dimensional spiral CT in the complex maxillofacial fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 26 patients with complex maxillofacial fractures were examined using spiral CT with the slice thickness of 3 to 5 mm. The surface shaded display (SSD) method was used for reconstruction of the three-dimensional (3D) images. The three-dimensional images of maxillofacial fractures were obtained by using various rotations. Before the three-dimensional images were reconstructed, the drawing and deleting way was used for these mandibular fractures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The method demonstrated clearly the three-dimensional anatomy and their relationships of the fractures; using the drawing and deleting way, location and move condition of mandibular fractures, especially condylar fractures, were showed clearly.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The three-dimensional CT is important in evaluating complex maxillofacial fractures. It could be used to demonstrate clearly locations and move conditions of complex maxillofacial fractures and operative plans.
authors.affiliation: Department of Stomatology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University.
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Nan
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008440:Maxillary Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed