title: Value of 3-D CT in classifying acetabular fractures during orthopedic residency training.
abstract: The complex anatomy of the pelvis and acetabulum have historically made classification and interpretation of acetabular fractures difficult for orthopedic trainees. The addition of 3-dimensional (3-D) computed tomography (CT) scan has gained popularity in preoperative planning, identification, and education of acetabular fractures given their complexity. Therefore, the authors examined the value of 3-D CT compared with conventional radiography in classifying acetabular fractures at different levels of orthopedic training. Their hypothesis was that 3-D CT would improve correct identification of acetabular fractures compared with conventional radiography.The classic Letournel fracture pattern classification system was presented in quiz format to 57 orthopedic residents and 20 fellowship-trained orthopedic traumatologists. A case consisted of (1) plain radiographs and 2-dimensional axial CT scans or (2) 3-D CT scans. All levels of training showed significant improvement in classifying acetabular fractures with 3-D vs 2-D CT, with the greatest benefit from 3-D CT found in junior residents (postgraduate years 1-3).Three-dimensional CT scans can be an effective educational tool for understanding the complex spatial anatomy of the pelvis, learning acetabular fracture patterns, and correctly applying a widely accepted fracture classification system.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Trauma Service, Florida Orthopaedic Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Garrett
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Halvorson
authors.forename: Eben
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.forename: Lawrence X
authors.initials: LX
authors.lastname: Webb
mesh_terms: D000077:Acetabulum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000193:education*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*