Validity of multislice computerized tomography for diagnosis of maxillofacial fractures using an independent workstation.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the sensitivity and specificity of multislice computerized tomography (CT) for diagnosis of maxillofacial fractures following specific protocols using an independent workstation.


METHODS
The study population consisted of 56 patients with maxillofacial fractures who were submitted to a multislice CT. The original data were transferred to an independent workstation using volumetric imaging software to generate axial images and simultaneous multiplanar (MPR) and 3-dimensional (3D-CT) volume rendering reconstructed images. The images were then processed and interpreted by 2 examiners using the following protocols independently of each other: axial, MPR/axial, 3D-CT images, and the association of axial/MPR/3D images. The clinical/surgical findings were considered the gold standard corroborating the diagnosis of the fractures and their anatomic localization. The statistical analysis was carried out using validity and chi-squared tests.


RESULTS
The association of axial/MPR/3D images indicated a higher sensitivity (range 95.8%) and specificity (range 99%) than the other methods regarding the analysis of all regions.


CONCLUSIONS
CT imaging demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity for maxillofacial fractures. The association of axial/MPR/3D-CT images added important information in relationship to other CT protocols.
Dos Santos
Denise Takehana
DT
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, College of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Costa e Silva
Adriana Paula Andrade
AP
Vannier
Michael Walter
MW
Cavalcanti
Marcelo Gusmão Paraiso
MG
D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003199:Computer Systems; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008440:Maxillary Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000293:injuries; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015051:Zygomatic Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging