Application of CT 3D reconstruction in diagnosing atlantoaxial subluxation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and compare the diagnostic value in atlantoaxial subluxation by CT three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction.


METHODS
3D reconstruction findings of 41 patients with atlantoaxial subluxation were retrospectively analyzed, and comparisons were made among images of transverse section, multiplanar reformorting (MPR), surface shade display (SSD), maximum intensity project (MIP), and volume rendering (VR).


RESULTS
Of 41 patients with atlantoaxial subluxation, 31 belonged to rotary dislocation, 5 antedislocation, and 5 hind dislocation. All the cases showed the dislocated joint panel of atlantoaxial articulation. Fifteen cases showed deviation of the odontoid process and 8 cases widened distance between the dens and anterior arch of the atlas. The dislocated joint panel of atlantoaxial articulation was more clearly seen with SSD-3D imaging than any other methods.


CONCLUSIONS
Atlantoaxial subluxation can well be diagnosed by CT 3D reconstruction, in which SSD-3D imaging is optimal.
Duan
Shao-yin
SY
First Clinical Academy of Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen 361004, China. xmdsy@263.sina.com
Lin
Qing-chi
QC
Pang
Rui-lin
RL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000293:injuries*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*