Learning objectives
Theobjective is to illustrate the usefulness of the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in the detection of fractures and their follow-up,
being able to assess the state of consolidation trying to predict the evolution towards complete,
incomplete or non-union healing.
Background
At present,
some CBCT equipment has been developed that allows musculoskeletal images to be obtained apart from their already useful utility in dentistry.
Thanks to its relatively low irradiance compared to multidetector tomography (MDCT),
CBCT may have a new role in imaging.
Due to its high spatial resolution,
the CBCT allows to assess with great precision the presence or absence of fractures and to control their evolution.
It also generates very low artifacts to the metal,
being able to evaluate not only the hardware but...
Findings and procedure details
The CBCT images show greater sensitivity in the detection of bone trauma than conventional radiology (CR) and can visualize small hidden fractures or confirm doubtful fractures.
In most cases,
this has a very important benefit for the early treatment of injuries.
For example,
a high clinical suspicion of carpal fractures,
especially scaphoid bone,
but with a negative radiograph,
a resonance is often recommended to exclude undisplaced occult fractures or bone marrow contusion.
However,
it is not always possible to perform an MRI,
due to possible...
Conclusion
CBCT is a very useful method for the evaluation of bone trauma,
particularly when CR is negative or doubtful despite the high clinical suspicion of fractures.
The excellent quality of the trabecular image,
the low dose and the few artifacts to the metallic hardware make it the method of choice for the follow-up of the healing.
Personal information
Contact details:
Dr.
Ricardo H.
Trueba
Msk section,
Grupo Medico Rostagno.
Pte J.
E.
Uriburu 1065 (C114AAE),
Ciudad de Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Email:
[email protected]
web: www.drricardotrueba.com.ar
Instagram: @drricardotrueba
Twitter: @drricardotrueba
Linkedin: Ricardo Trueba
References
1.
Pugmire BS,
Shailam R,
Sagar P et al (2016) Initial clinical experience with extremity cone-beam CT of the foot and ankle in pediatric patients.
AJR Am J Roentgenol 206(2):431–435.
2.
Huang AJ,
Chang CY,
Thomas BJ,
MacMahon PJ,
Palmer WE (2015) Using cone-beam CT as a low-dose 3D imaging technique for the extremities: initial experience in 50 subjects.
Skelet Radiol 44(6):797–809.
3.
Faccioli N,
Foti G,
Barillari M,
Atzei A,
Mucelli RP (2010) Finger fractures imaging: accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography and multislice computed...