title: Cone-beam computed tomography arthrography: an innovative modality for the evaluation of wrist ligament and cartilage injuries.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become an important modality in dento-facial imaging but remains poorly used in the exploration of the musculoskeletal system. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the performance and radiation exposure of CBCT arthrography in the evaluation of ligament and cartilage injuries in cadaveric wrists, with gross pathology findings as the standard of reference.
  
  
  METHODS
  Conventional arthrography was performed under fluoroscopic guidance on 10 cadaveric wrists, followed by MDCT acquisition and CBCT acquisition. CBCT arthrography and MDCT arthrography images were independently analyzed by two musculoskeletal radiologists working independently and then in consensus. The following items were observed: scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligaments, triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) (tear, integrity), and proximal carpal row cartilage (chondral tears). Wrists were dissected and served as the standard of reference for comparisons. Interobserver agreement, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were determined. Radiation dose (CTDI) of both modalities was recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  CBCT arthrography provides equivalent results to MDCT arthrography in the evaluation of ligaments and cartilage with sensitivity and specificity between 82 and 100%, and interobserver agreement between 0.83 and 0.97. However, radiation dose was significantly lower (p < 0.05) for CBCT arthrography than for MDCT arthrography with a mean CTDI of 2.1 mGy (range 1.7-2.2) versus a mean of 15.1 mGy (range 14.7-16.1).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CBCT arthrography appears to be an innovative alternative to MDCT arthrography of the wrist as it allows an accurate and low radiation dose evaluation of ligaments and cartilage.
authors: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital of Strasbourg, 10 Avenue Molière, Strasbourg, France.
authors: Reeta
authors: R
authors: Ramdhian-Wihlm
authors: Jean-Marie
authors: JM
authors: Le Minor
authors: Matthieu
authors: M
authors: Schmittbuhl
authors: Jeremy
authors: J
authors: Jeantroux
authors: Peter Mac
authors: PM
authors: Mahon
authors: Francis
authors: F
authors: Veillon
authors: Jean-Claude
authors: JC
authors: Dosch
authors: Jean-Louis
authors: JL
authors: Dietemann
authors: Guillaume
authors: G
authors: Bierry
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001175:Arthrography / Q000379:methods*; D002102:Cadaver; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D050724:Fractures, Cartilage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*