High resolution imaging of craniofacial bone specimens by flat-panel volumetric computed tomography.
BACKGROUND
The prototype flat-panel volumetric computed tomograph (fpvCT) provides a new 3D imaging technology with detailed high resolution by using large-area flat-panel X-ray detectors. The object of this study was to evaluate the benefit of high resolution imaging using the experimental fpvCT to visualise different types of human craniofacial bone pathology. The study proved the feasibility of performing an intraoperative evaluation of free margins in bone malignancies using fpvCT.


METHODS
In this study, 35 bone specimens of various pathological types were examined by fpvCT. fpvCT data were compared with pre-operative multislice clinical CT images as well as with post-operative histological findings.


RESULTS
Bone tumours can be visualised with their specific pathological architecture and infiltration structure faster and more precisely by fpvCT than by multislice CT. The analysis of the resection margins supports the surgical procedure intraoperatively, especially when an immediate reconstruction with bone transplantation is carried out.


CONCLUSIONS
The fpvCT has a superior image quality when compared with clinical CT systems. The imaging of the bone structure itself has been shown to be useful for the interpretation of osseous resection borders. Furthermore, it can facilitate the diagnosis of tumour progression, especially in areas that are difficult to access, such as the base of the skull.
Schaaf
Heidrun
H
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany. heidrun.schaaf@uniklinikum-giessen.de
Streckbein
Philipp
P
Obert
Martin
M
Goertz
Birgit
B
Christophis
Petros
P
Howaldt
Hans-Peter
HP
Traupe
Horst
H
D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000379:methods*; D019292:Skull Base Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*