title: Digital volume tomography: radiologic examinations of the temporal bone.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated the clinical applicability and the value of digital volume tomography for visualization of the lateral skull base using temporal bone specimens.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve temporal bone specimens were used to evaluate digital volume tomography on the lateral skull base. Aside from the initial examination of the temporal bones, radiologic control examinations were performed after insertion of titanium, gold, and platinum middle-ear implants and a cochlear implant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With high-resolution and almost artifact-free visualization of alloplastic middle-ear implants of titanium, gold, or platinum, it was possible to define the smallest bone structures or position of the prosthesis with high precision. Furthermore, the examination proved that digital volume tomography is useful in assessing the normal position of a cochlear implant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Digital volume tomography expands the application of diagnostic possibilities in the lateral skull base. Therefore, we believe improved preoperative diagnosis can be achieved along with more accurate planning of the surgical procedure. Digital volume tomography delivers a small radiation dose and a high resolution coupled with a low purchase price for the equipment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Deutschhausstr. 3, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Carsten V
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Dalchow
authors.forename: Alfred L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: Naoaki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yanagihara
authors.forename: Siegfried
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bien
authors.forename: Jochen A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Werner
mesh_terms: D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008670:Metals; D009998:Ossicular Prosthesis; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D008670:Metals