Application value of CT three-dimensional reconstruction in postoperative evaluation of acetabular fractures

Abstract

Objective To analyze the application value of three-dimensional CT reconstruction in postoperative evaluation of acetabular fractures. Methods Fifty-seven patients with acetabular fractures hospitalized from June 2009 to June 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients consisted of 40 males and 17 females and age was 20-74 years (mean, 46.7 years). Injury resulted from traffic accidents in 34 patients, high falls in 19 and hitting from heavy objects in four. According to the Letournel-Judet classification, there were 33 patients with simple fractures and 24 complex fractures. All fractures were closed ones. Surgery was done via the Kocher-Langenbech approach, ilioinguinal approach or combined anterior and posterior approach. Multivariate imaging technologies including radiographs and CT volume rendering mode as well as multiplanar reconstruction mode were used to evaluate fracture reduction and implant placement. Results Of the patients with simple and complex acetabular fractures, postoperative radiographs revealed non-anatomic reduction in four patients and six patients respectively, compared to 12 patients and 13 patients through three-dimensional CT images, and postoperative radiographs identified improper implant placement in 1 patient and three patients respectively, compared to four patients and seven patients through three-dimensional CT images. Significant differences were detected in assessment of anatomic reduction and quality of implant placement between radiographs and CT scans (P<0.05). Conclusion CT three-dimensional reconstruction is more reliable than radiographs in postoperative evaluation of reduction and implant placement for acetabular fractures. Key words: Acetabulum; Fracture fixation, internal; Imaging, three-dimensional