HRCT diagnosis of optical canal fractures

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic significance of HRCT and reconstruction in detection of fracture of optic canal. Methods Eighteen cases of fractures of optic canal were detected by high resolusion CT(HRCT)and reconstructed with edge algorithm or bone algorithm.The CT features of images were analyzed. Results Twenty-one fractures of optic canal were observed in 18 cases,which included 12 cases fractures in one wall(57.14%),9 in multi-wall(42.86%);6 in single medial wall,1 in single lateral wall,2 in single superior wall,and 3 in single inferior wall;2 in medial and superior walls,1 in lateral and superior walls,5 in medial,superior and inferior walls,1 in medial,lateral, superior and inferior walls.Totally,there are 37 fractures of whole walls of optic canals,14 in medial wa11(37.84%),3 in lateral wall(8.11%),11 in superior wa11(29.73%),and 9 in inferior wa11(24.32%).The fractures of optic canal on CT images were divided into three types: lineal;comminuted and mixed fractures.Conclusion Applied with HRCT scanning and appropriate reconstruction,the fracture of optic canal can be efficaciously diagnosed in order to choose the sugery opportunity early or rational therapy.