Application of spiral CT in acetabular fractures

Objective To explore the method and application value of three and four dimensional reconstructive technique of spiral CT in the fracture of acetabulum. Methods Thirty two cases of acetabular fracture were examined with spiral CT, multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), surface shaded display (SSD) and volume rendering technique (VRT) to observe the details of lesion, so as to analyse the fracture. Results The fracture was detected in 28 cases by MPR and SSD, and the whole fracture line was not observed in 4 cases. SSD was superior to VRT in observing the three dimensional status and could show clearly the displacement and rotation. All fracture could be shown by VRT and it was superior to SSD in observing the tiny structure of fractures and undisplacement fractures. VRT could be used to observe directly the post operation statue. Conclusions MPR, SSD and VRT of spiral CT are effective methods to diagnose complex fracture of acetabulum. The technique of VRT is valuable in designing the operative scheme and judging the operation effect.