Computed tomography and thin-section tomography in facial trauma
The efficacy of radiographic methods in detecting and classifying facial fractures was assessed. Thirty-one patients with maxillofacial trauma were studied with plain radiography, coronal and lateral pluridirectional tomography (PT), and axial and direct coronal computed tomography (CT). PT and CT were compared to assess how many fractures each method could demonstrate. In addition, plain films were used in combination with each special study to see how efficacious each combination was at classifying fractures into types. With two projection, CT was better than PT at demonstrating fracture surfaces (168 vs. 156) and in classifying fractures in combination with plain films (48 vs. 43). However, when only one projection from each special study was used, PT surpassed CT in showing fractures (137 vs. 124) and in classifying fractures (42 vs. 40). Failures with each method occurred when the plane of section was parallel or oblique to the plane of the structure being examined. Imaging in two planes, including the coronal plane, is desirable for greatest accuracy in fracture detection, whether by CT, PT, or both. CT is generally better for the display of soft-tissue abnormalities.
- Research Organization:
- Indiana Univ. Medical Center, Indianapolis
- OSTI ID:
- 6749120
- Journal Information:
- AJR, Am. J. Roentgenol.; (United States), Vol. 142:5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
BONE FRACTURES
DIAGNOSIS
FACE
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY
INJURIES
TOMOGRAPHY
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
BIOMEDICAL RADIOGRAPHY
SKULL
BODY
BODY AREAS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
HEAD
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
RADIOLOGY
SKELETON
550602* - Medicine- External Radiation in Diagnostics- (1980-)
550900 - Pathology