Postprocessing of multi-slice spiral CT in the diagnosis of occult fracture

Objective:To evaluate the multi-slice spiral CT(MSCT) postprocessing technique in the diagnosis of occult fractures.Methods:The MSCT was performed in 52 patients whose X-ray results were negative but highly suspected as occult fractures by clinicians;the raw data of all the cases were processed respectively by image reconstruction including multiple planar reconstruction, maximum intensity projection and volume rendering technique;then the results were compared.Results:Of the 52 patients presenting non-fracture by X-ray, 49 were proved fractures by postprocessing technique:9 cases in the orbital, 12 cases in the spine, 7 in the hip joint, 9 in the tibial plateau, 2 in the Carpal bone, 3 in the calcaneal, 1 in the shoulder blade and 6 in the rib.The MSCT images of the other 3 cases showed negative.The positive rate reached 94.2%.Conclusions:MSCT can make accurate diagnosis of occult fractures, and provide reliable basis for the selection of therapy project and estimation of the prognosis.