Application of spiral CT in treatment of acetabular fractures

Objective To explore the application of three dimensional reconstructive technique of spiral CT in the treatment of acetabular fractures. Methods 56 cases of acetabular fractures were examined with spiral CT from June, 2002 to October, 2004. Surface shaded display (SSD) and volume rendering technique (VRT) were used to observe the details of acetabular fractures. 15 cases of them were observed after internal fixation. Results The fractures were detected in 53 cases by SSD, but the whole fracture line was not observed in 3 cases. SSD was superior to VRT in observing the three dimensional status. VRT was superior to SSD in that it could show all the fractures and tiny fracture fragments. VRT could be used to observe directly the post-operational results. Conclusions SSD and VRT of spiral CT are effective methods to diagnose complex acetabular fractures and to determine treatment protocols. VRT can also be used to judge the results of the operation.