Value of the Volumetric CT Scanning in the Diagnosis of Lumbar Spondylolysis

Objective:To discuss the value of volumetric scanning with multi-slice CT(MSCT) in the diagnosis of lumbar spondylolysis(LS).Methods:Fifty-two patients who were clinically suspected of having LS underwent volumetric scanning with MSCT,then various post-processing techniques including multi-planar reformation(MPR) and volume rendering(VR) were carried out at the workstation.Comparison of the efficacy in the diagnosis of LS with conventional radiography,MPR and VR were undertaken.Results:There were 83 sites of lumbar spondylolysis in these 52 cases.The ring-like fissure could be clearly revealed on axial images;and the LS could be displayed on MPR images,especially the typical necklace sign of Scottish hound could be directly displayed on the oblique sagittal plane.The VR images are close to the real anatomy structure of the lumbar spine,which can display lumbar spondylolysis stereoscopically.Conclusion:LS could be well displayed on the volumetric CT images of various post-processing techniques,and the accuracy of diagnosis can be improved.