Three-dimensional CT in the diagnosis of spinal trauma: comparison with plain film and two-dimensional CT examinations

To assess the value of three-dimensional (3D) image reconstructions of two-dimensional (2D) data from contiguous non-overlapping slices in the diagnosis of spinal trauma, 21 patients with a total of 36 injured vertebrae and 4 normal controls were examined. Forty plain films in two planes, 40 axial CT scans with multiplanar reformatted (MPR) 2D reconstructions and 40 sets of 3D images (surface rendering technique) were independently evaluated by four readers. The final diagnosis was defined after a panel review of clinical, surgical and imaging findings on all modalities. The 3D image reconstructions were not as accurate as axial CT with MPR 2D reconstructions in the diagnosis of vertebral body (n = 20) and posterior element fractures (n = 35). Dislocation (n = 3) was equally well detected by all imaging modalities. Narrowing of the spinal canal (n = 17) was best assessed by either MPR 2D CT or 3D images. A rotational component was diagnosed more accurately by 3D images, followed by 2D CT and plain films. Thus, 3D images combined with MPR 2D CT reconstructions are an important adjunct for an accurate diagnosis of spinal trauma, especially when a rotational component is suspected.Presented at the 1993 ECR Scientific Assembly Correspondence to: C. H. Buitrago-Téllez     

A comparative study of evaluation of radiographs, CT and 3D reformatted CT in facial trauma: what is the role of 3D?

A panel of 17 trainee maxillofacial surgeons viewed 23 cases of facial trauma, demonstrated on radiographs, axial CT images and three-dimensional (3D) reformatted CT images in a standardized viewing format under standard conditions. Their diagnostic interpretation, extraction of information relevant to surgical management and subjective evaluation of each modality were recorded by standard questionnaire and compared with a gold standard evaluation by a consultant radiologist and surgeon reading based on results of clinical management. There were clear and measurable differences in the viewers' evaluations of radiographs, CT and 3D reformatted images. Overall, surgeons showed more accurate diagnostic reading of radiographs and 3D reformatted images. This was in contrast to their subjective assessment of the clinical value of each modality, which showed a strong preference for 3D over all other techniques and for CT over radiographs. However the perceived benefit of axial CT images over radiographs was not reproduced on objective testing in this group; surgeons appear to perform less well in interpreting CT images than their subjective response to the modality would suggest. This work has supported the view that surgeons value 3D imaging as a front-line tool in the evaluation and management of selected cases of acute facial trauma. We have demonstrated that the perceived benefits of 3D reformatted CT to surgeons appear real.     

螺旋CT多平面重组及三维重建对跟骨关节内骨折手术治疗的指导意义

目的探讨螺旋CT多平面重建（MPR）和三维重建（3D）技术在指导跟骨关节内骨折手术治疗中的价值。方法回顾分析我院经X线、螺旋CT横断、3D及MPR技术证实的跟骨关节内骨折48例,依据螺旋CTMPR和3D的表现对48例跟骨关节内骨折进行分型,并依据分型选择合适的手术方案。结果 MPR可显示骨折内部的情况和关节面塌陷的程度。3D成像可清晰显示跟骨骨折骨折线的立体走行方向、关节面碎裂及塌陷的范围。结论 MPR和3D有助于判定跟骨关节内骨折的类型,准确测量其劈裂和塌陷程度以及选择最佳的手术方案。     

MDCT in emergency radiology: is a standardized chest or abdominal protocol sufficient for evaluation of thoracic and lumbar spine trauma?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to assess the diagnostic performance of a standardized 4-MDCT trauma protocol for the evaluation of the thoracic and lumbar spine in patients with multiple injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two patients with multiple injuries underwent MDCT for the chest and abdomen using a standardized 4-MDCT trauma protocol (collimation, 4 x 2.5 mm). Secondary reconstructions targeted to the spine were performed (slice width, 3 mm; reconstruction interval, 1.5 mm). All spinal fractures were additionally scanned using a collimation of 4 x 1 mm, and these images served as the standard of reference for fracture classification. An additional 50 patients with no spinal fracture served as the control group. A total of 65 major spinal fractures were present in 55 of the patients with multiple injuries. Two observers (observer 1 and observer 2) independently evaluated all CT data for spinal fractures using a 5-point confidence scale, classified the different fracture types, and rated the image quality of spinal structures on axial images and multiplanar reformations. RESULTS: Image quality for axial images was excellent in 80% and in 68% using 4 x 1 mm and 4 x 2.5 mm collimation, respectively. Image quality of the multiplanar reformations was excellent in 75% and good in 65% using 4 x 1 mm and 4 x 2.5 mm collimation, respectively. Spinal fractures were detected by observer 1 and observer 2 with a sensitivity and specificity of 98% and 97% and of 97% and 97%, respectively. Interobserver agreement regarding the confidence scale for fracture detection was substantial (kappa = 0.80), and agreement between the different imaging protocols for fracture classification was excellent for observer 1 (kappa = 0.95) and observer 2 (kappa = 0.97). CONCLUSION: Accurate evaluation of the thoracolumbar spine is possible with targeted image reconstruction based on a standardized 4-MDCT trauma protocol of the chest and abdomen.     

Diagnostic maxillofacial coronal images reformatted from helically acquired thin-section axial CT data

OBJECTIVE. This study was undertaken to determine the sensitivity and specificity of coronal images reformatted from helical thin-section axial CT data obtained for the evaluation of maxillofacial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Multiple fractures were created in nine cadaver heads by blunt trauma and were then evaluated using a late-generation helical CT scanner. Two neuroradiologists then independently evaluated the axial and reformatted coronal maxillofacial images. Subsequently, they reviewed the axial and direct coronal CT images, which were considered the criterion standard. RESULTS. A total of 87 fractures were identified. An experienced neuroradiologist failed to identify one displaced fracture and two nondisplaced fractures when evaluating the reformatted coronal and direct axial images for an overall sensitivity of 97%. A less experienced neuroradiologist failed to identify a total of five minimally displaced or nondisplaced fractures for an overall sensitivity of 94%. For each radiologist, no significant difference in the time required to interpret the direct versus the reformatted coronal images was seen. CONCLUSION. Interpretation of axial and reformatted coronal images resulted in accurate identification of displaced maxillofacial fractures in cadavers. This study suggests that the added cost and radiation exposure associated with incremental direct coronal CT may not be necessary for detection of clinically significant maxillofacial fractures and that further evaluation of this protocol in live trauma patients is warranted. However, because nondisplaced fractures were not routinely detected using reformatted coronal images, physical examination and clinical suspicion will still also remain necessary to determine the need for further imaging.     

CT of pelvic fractures

Although magnetic resonance imaging has become the dominant modality for cross-sectional musculo-skeletal imaging, the widespread availability, speed, and versatility of computed tomography (CT) continue to make it a mainstay of emergency room (ER) diagnostic imaging. Pelvic ring and acetabular fractures occur as the result of significant trauma secondary to either a motor vehicle accident or a high-velocity fall. These injuries are correlated with significant morbidity and mortality, both from the complications of pelvic ring fractures and from commonly associated injuries. The most commonly used classification of pelvic and acetabular fractures has been based on conventional radiographs that are, in the majority of cases, sufficient to determine the type of injury. However, because of the complexity of pelvic and acetabular fractures, precise pathological anatomy is not easily demonstrated by routine radiographs and in many cases details of fractures are not visible. Moreover, the insufficient co-operation of the patient or the difficulty of maintaining special positions can be overcome by using computed tomography. Spiral computed tomography provides information regarding the extent of the fractures and is complementary to radiography for ascertaining the spatial arrangement of fracture fragments. Spiral computed tomography is an effective tool for understanding complex fracture patterns, particularly when combined with multi-planar reconstruction two-dimensional (MPR 2D) reformatted images or three-dimensional images (3D) images. Including these techniques of reconstruction in routine pelvic imaging protocols can change management in a significant number of cases. Subtle fractures, particularly those oriented in the axial plane, are better seen on MPR images or 3D volume-rendered images. Complex injuries can be better demonstrated with 3D volume-rendered images, and complicated spatial information about the relative positions of fracture fragments can be easily demonstrated to the orthopaedic surgeons. The use of intravenous (i.v.) contrast material allows simultaneous evaluation of osseous and vascular structures within the affected area. Postoperative studies in patients with orthopaedic hardware also benefit from volume-rendered imaging. Volume rendering eliminates most streak artifact and produces high-quality images on which the relationships among hardware, bones, and bone fragments are well demonstrated.     

Evaluation of multiplanar reconstruction in CT recognition of lumbar disk disease

Axial computed tomographic (CT) images were compared with sagittal and coronal reformations and myelograms in 60 patients to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of multiplanar reconstructions for the recognition of lumbar disk disease. The axial CT scans were most sensitive and specific. The sagittal scans were helpful in evaluating the neural foramina, the size of the disk bulge into the spinal canal, especially at L5-S1, and patients with spondylolisthesis. The coronal images were the least informative, although they contributed to the evaluation of lumbar nerve roots. The myelograms and the sagittal images were equally useful in the detection of herniated disk, but axial scans were superior to either. It was concluded that reformatted sagittal and coronal images are not required if all axial images are normal. However, when uncertainty exists or complex anatomy is being evaluated, reformatted images may be helpful, particularly for reassurance.     

Comparison of spiral CT and conventional CT in 3D visualization of facial trauma: work in progress

Spiral computed tomography (SCT) differs from conventional CT (CCT) in that regions of the body can be rapidly imaged via continuous scanning. This is accompanied by simultaneous advancement of the patient, thus allowing volumetric data acquisition of up to 60 cm in less than a minute. Thus motion is minimized and slice misregistration is minimized when multiplanar and three dimensional reconstructions are performed. This paper compares the utility of SCT and CCT in facial trauma. A total of six patients were studied with either CCT or SCT of the face after trauma. SCr scans were obtained using a Siemens Somatom Plus-S Cr scanner (2 mm thick collimation and 3 mm/sec table feed for 32 s). Three-dimensional (3D) and multiplanar reconstruction images of the facial bones were generated after appropriate thresholds were selected by the radiologist; similar images generated with a CCT (GE quick 9800) were compared using a three point scale with kappa analysis. SCT is able to generate axial and reformatted images of comparable quality to CCT (k = 0.47–0.89) in less than half the time to perform an examination (26 min vs 63 min). SCT can rapidly produce (3D) and multiplanar reformatted images of facial trauma with minimal motion, or misregistration artifact when compared to CCT.     

3D CT versus axial helical CT versus conventional tomography in the classification of acetabular fractures: a ROC analysis

AIM: To assess the diagnostic power of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT), axial helical computed tomography (CT) and conventional tomography in the classification of acetabular fractures by interdisciplinary review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) were assessed for two radiologists and two surgeons blinded to the presence of acetabular fractures in an animal model (a total of 62 porcine hips, 40 of them with artificial acetabular fractures). Main target parameter was the diagnostic accuracy in the classification of the artificial fractures following Judet et al. RESULTS: ROC analysis for radiologists showed A(z) values of 0.83 for 3D CT, 0.81 for axial helical CT, and 0.78 for conventional tomography; differences between the three techniques were not significant (P = 0.46-0.73). A(z) values for the surgeons were 0.87 for 3D CT, 0.68 for axial helical CT, and 0.60 for conventional tomography; 3D CT was significantly better than axial helical CT (P = 0.01) and conventional tomography (P = 0.001). The differences between axial helical CT and conventional tomography were not significant (P = 0.37). CONCLUSION: Acetabular fractures are best classified by 3D CT, followed by axial helical CT and conventional tomography when assessed by surgeons. 3D CT did not provide any additional significant benefit in the classification performed by radiologists.     

Patterns of skull base fracture: a three-dimensional computed tomographic study

Three-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic (CT) reconstructions were studied retrospectively in 14 patients with skull base fractures. Our aim was to assess the clarity of visualisation and pattern of these fractures. The reformations were obtained from 3 mm thick two-dimensional (2D) CT images. The 2D data stored on optical discs were retrieved and reformatted using the scanner's software. The 3D technique could demonstrate the presence of fractures as well as 2D images. It was of special value in defining the depth and extent of fractures in the floor of the cranial fossae. Undisplaced and displaced fractures could both be demonstrated. Fractures in the anterior fossa run diagonally towards the midline and then cross the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone. Fractures of the middle fossa run obliquely anteroposterior. Fractures in the lamina papyracea and cribriform plate were difficult to reconstruct due to the the thinness of these bones and threshold definitions. The volume of the 3D block determines the angles suitable for viewing the fractures. In spite of present technical difficulties, the 3D images are of greater anatomical and diagnostic value, particularly in anterior fossa fractures. There is no additional radiation risk to the patient, since reconstructions are made from routine 2D images.     

The effect of computed tomographic scan orientation on information loss in the three-dimensional reconstruction of tripod zygomatic fractures

Fractures modeled in the dried skull indicate that the initial plane of computed tomography (CT) section contributes to the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) images generated from two-dimensional (2D) CT data. The authors retrospectively analyzed seven clinical cases of tripod zygomatic fractures that were imaged with both axial and coronal CT scan orientations. Ten observers evaluated paired 3D CT images, one generated from 2D CT data in the axial plane and the other generated from coronal 2D CT data, for each of the seven cases of tripod fractures. A G-E 9800 CT scanner with the 3D98 Quick processing system were used for the 3D reconstructions. The axial scan orientation resulted in 3D reconstructions that had significantly less information loss in the display of the tripod fractures than did those based on coronal CT data (P less than .025).     

16层螺旋CT三维和多平面重组对儿童先天性脊柱侧弯的评价

目的 运用16层螺旋CT三维（3D）和多平面重组技术对先天性脊柱侧弯患儿进行评估，探讨此技术的优势和临床指导意义。方法 搜集2004年4至10月司27例先天性脊柱侧弯患儿的影像学资料，男13例，女14例，中位年龄3岁。27例均进行了X线片、16层螺旋CT容积3D、标准和曲面多平面重组技术。结果 10例患者有分节异常，6例患者有形成异常，11例患者有复杂的、无法分类的畸形。15例肋骨畸形中，肋骨畸形的主要部分和脊柱旋转在同水平的有7例。8例合并脊髓纵裂，其中6例有完全或不完全的骨性隔。27例中的19例患者，多平面重组和3D图像显示出在常规X线片和常规轴面图像中未发现和认知的畸形并且全面评估了脊柱侧弯的程度，包括11例复杂畸形中7例归类为无法分类的脊柱畸形，4例为单侧未分节的骨桥合并同侧半椎体畸形；4例清晰显示出单侧未分节的骨桥（3例）和双侧骨桥融合（1例）；2例发现了掩蔽的半椎体畸形；2例重新评估了半椎体的类型和数目；27例曲面多平面重组图像更好的显示了椎管形态和脊髓弯曲情况，6例清晰显示椎管内骨性隔的生长方式和形态；4例患者标准多平面重组更好的显示了颅底-C1-C2的解剖和畸形，尤其是颅颈联合部畸形。结论 16层螺旋CT3D和标准或曲面多平面重组图像是诊断先天性脊柱侧弯、分析复杂多发或隐蔽脊柱和肋骨畸形的首选方法，在评价儿童脊柱侧弯的进展、修订手术方案较常规平片和（或）常规CT更具优势和指导意义。     

螺旋 CT 容积扫描方法诊断胸廓骨及肋骨骨折的价值探讨

目的：探讨螺旋CT容积扫描诊断胸廓骨骨折的临床价值。方法笔者回顾性分析2011年1月～2014年6月拟诊断为胸廓骨及肋骨骨折患者80例的临床资料,男性49例,女性31例;年龄22～76岁,平均（40．2±2．3）岁。均具有完整X线片、3D图像和CT轴位扫描图像资料,并对X线、3D图像和CT轴位扫描图像的诊断结果进行对比分析。结果排除可疑骨折,以CT轴位扫描图像作为金标准,X线诊断的灵敏度为61．54％,特异度为66．67％;3D容积重建（ VR）诊断的灵敏度为98．59％,特异度为87．50％。结论螺旋CT可快速确诊胸廓骨及肋骨骨折,容积扫描中的容积再现法（ VR）、最大密度投影法（ MIP）和多平面重组法（ MPR）技术能较好显示细微骨折,在解剖空间结构上有较强优势。     

Comparison of 4 computed tomographic imaging protocols for lateral tibial plateau fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Many computed tomographic (CT) imaging protocols are used for pretreatment assessment of tibial plateau fractures. This study compares the diagnostic capabilities of 4 CT protocols. METHODS: Lateral tibial plateau fractures were induced in 19 knee specimens and CT scans were obtained with the following protocols: 1) 3-mm collimation, axial acquisition, 2) 3-mm collimation, helical acquisition, 3) mixed-increment collimation, axial acquisition, and 4) 3-mm collimation, helical acquisition with 50% overlap reconstruction of raw data. Two-dimensional coronal and sagittal reformations and 3-dimensional surface reconstruction images were analyzed for maximum fragment depression, peripheral fragment displacement, fracture pattern classification and quality of image. Specimen dissection established maximal articular surface depression, fragment displacement and actual fracture pattern. RESULTS: None of the 2-dimensional reformations from the 4 protocols proved statistically superior for determining maximal fracture depression, fragment displacement, or fracture classification. There was a trend toward more accurate fracture classification with the mixed-increment axial protocol and the overlap protocol than either of the 3-mm protocols, but this was not statistically significant. All protocols were statistically equivalent in predicting fracture pattern classification using 3-dimensional images. However, the 3-dimensional images were of significantly higher quality when obtained with either the mixed-increment axial protocol or the overlap protocol. CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistically significant differences in the objective assessment of tibial plateau fractures among the 4 different protocols. The 3-dimensional images derived from the mixed-increment axial protocol and the 3-mm helical protocol with 50% overlap reconstruction were of superior quality.     

螺旋CT三维和多平面重建在髋臼骨折中的应用

目的：探讨螺旋CT三维（3D）和多平面重建（MPR）在髋臼骨折中的临床应用价值。方法：27例髋臼骨折的病人先经营骨盆螺旋CT薄层扫描，并在工作站上作髋臼三维和多平面重建。注重观察髋臼骨折的以及CT表现特征。结果：27例病人共计31个髋臼骨折。除1个T形骨折用三维和多平面重建判断为横行骨折外，其余30个骨折轴位CT、三给和多平面重建均显示。三维和多平面重建能更直观的显示病变的具体情况。结论“螺旋CT三维和多平面重建是轴位CT扫描的有价值的补充手段，在髋臼骨折中有很高的应用价值。     

Tibial plateau fractures: evaluation with multidetector-CT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of Multislice CT (MSCT) in classifying tibial plateau fractures and deciding on the appropriate therapeutic treatment compared to conventional radiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with a clinical diagnosis of tibial plateau fracture were studied with plain film and MSCT. The CT images were reconstructed with MPR and 3D technique and the fractures classified according to the Swiss AO-ASIF classification. The following radiographic and CT parameters were used: fracture location and size, number of fragments or degree of depression of fracture; plateau area involved; surgical access; degree of osteoporosis and bone tissue loss. RESULTS: The plain film and MSCT classification showed agreement in 48% of cases and disagreement in 52%. MSCT better demonstrated disruption of the tibial plateau surface and showed a larger number of fragments. In 60% of patients the CT features led the orthopaedist to modify the treatment. In three patients CT demonstrated bone tissue loss, suggesting for bone graft. In four patients CT showed alteration of the bone architecture and suggested the use of different material for osteosynthesis. Compared to axial CT, the MSCT MPR and 3D reconstructions enabled a more accurate assessment of plateau depression, and of rotation and separation of the fragments. The 3D technique proved better than MPR in evaluating rotation of fractured fragments as it provides an overall view as well as the possibility of rotating the bone segments. CONCLUSIONS: MSCT and 3D reconstructions are very useful for classifying tibial plateau fractures and for preoperative assessment. Patients with clinical evidence of fracture might benefit from an examination with CT instead of conventional radiology.     

Role of postoperative multislice computed tomography in assessment of pedicle screw placement in spinal surgical fixation

Objective

To evaluate the role of three-dimensional (3D) volume rendering computed tomography (CT), in the postoperative assessment of pedicle screw placement.

Methods

Ninety-eight patients with previous spinal fixation surgery were included. All inserted screws were evaluated post operatively within the first month using CT. Degree of misplacement and difference between CT images were recorded.

Results

Seventy six, 68 and 39 misplaced screws were detected in 3D reformatted image, coronal reconstruction and axial CT images, respectively. Dorsal spine had the higher rate of violation of 46 (9.95%) with the highest rate at T4 (12.8%) compared with lumbar of 32 (6.9%). Statistically significant differences were found between lateral and medial violation (P value −0.03), between findings of 3D CT reformatted and axial images (P = 0.04), and also in detecting end plate perforation and anterior vertebral encroachment in different CT images (P value −0.013). Sensitivity for 3D reformatted image and axial image compared with surgical finding in six revised screws was 100% and 95.8% and specificity was 100% and 88.7%, respectively. Highly momentous agreement is reported with Kappa coefficient = 0.95 ± <0.001.

Conclusion

We conclude that postoperative evaluation of pedicle screw using 3D CT reconstruction was a reliable method.     

螺旋CT三维和多平面重建在腰椎峡部裂中的应用

目的：探讨螺旋CT（SCT）三维和多平面重建在腰椎峡部裂中的临床价值。资料与方法：分析15例腰椎峡部裂的轴位、多平面重组CT及三维CT表现。结果：最大密度投影（MIP）图像对峡部裂显示良好，15例33处均显示清晰；表面重建（SSD）图像在显示峡部裂方面不及MIP和多平面重组（MPR）图像，仅显示6例9处峡部裂，但在显示椎体滑脱方面效果良好；MPR矢状面和反角度（平行椎弓）轴位重建对15例33处椎弓峡部裂均显示良好，轴位重组对裂隙骨赘、骨痂、纤维组织增生、椎间盘病变等征象显示清晰，正中矢状面重建对椎体滑脱、椎体撕裂或骨赘后突显示良好。结论：SCT三维重建（MIP、SSD）和MPR对腰椎椎弓峡部裂衣其所引起的相关改变具有良好的显示效果，有利于临床制定手术方案。     

Optimized preoperative planning of calcaneal fractures using spiral computed tomography

The aim of this study was the evaluation of spiral-CT examinations in preoperative planning of calcaneal fractures supported by 3D reconstructions after electronic disarticulation. We examined 45 patients with 47 calcaneal fractures with diagnostic spiral-CT examinations in a prospective study. In addition to the conventional axial slices and sagittal reconstructions, 3D reconstructions prior to and after electronic disarticulation were performed and rated by orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists. The following diagnostic criteria were rated: involvement of articular facets, number of fragments and hindfoot deformities. Axial slices were considered to be the gold standard, because not all patients underwent surgical treatment. Axial slices showed involvement of 90 articular facets (100 %). Three-dimensional reformations after electronic disarticulation depicted 82 fractures (82 of 90, 91 %), sagittal reconstructions 63 fractures (63 of 90, 70 %). Three-dimensional reconstructions without electronic disarticulation showed five fractures (5 of 90, 5.5 %). The number of fragments was demonstrated best on sagittal reconstructions (two, three or four fragments); five fragments were diagnosed best on axial slices, and 3D reconstruction without electronic disarticulation showed only a very small number of fragments, due to overlaying bones. Hindfoot deformities (lateralisation, varus deformation, shortening) were demonstrated best on axial slices, except in terms of showing height reduction, which was demonstrated better on sagittal and 3D reconstructions. Three-dimensional reconstructions after electronic disarticulation support a clear understanding of the 3D position of the fragments and of their displacement in comparison with 3D reconstruction without electronic disarticulation, which is essential for an effective surgical reduction. Due to the potential manipulation of surface-oriented 3D reconstructions, regardless of whether electronic disarticulation is used, this imaging technique should not be considered in an isolated framework. Three-dimensional images without electronic disarticulation are superfluous in any case. Received: 1 April 1998; Revision received: 2 July 1998; Accepted: 24 September 1998     

Cervical spine trauma: evaluation by multidetector CT and three-dimensional volume rendering

Multidetector-row computed tomography (CT) offers important advantages over conventional imaging modalities in the evaluation of the post-trauma cervical spine. It allows for faster scanning times, critical for triaging post-trauma patients as well as for eliminating motion artifacts, and allows for thinner collimation and the ability to achieve an isotropic data set which can be reformatted in any plane without loss of spatial resolution. In addition, three-dimensional volume-rendered reconstructions of images obtained using multidetector scanners can provide additional information in defining extent of injury, allowing neurosurgeons to see the fractures in any plane, simulating intraoperative views. 3D multidetector-row CT represents an advance in CT technology and can help ensure rapid, accurate evaluation of cervical spine injuries. Electronic Publication