Application of CT 3D reconstruction in diagnosing atlantoaxial subluxation

摘要

Objective: To evaluate and compare the diagnostic value in atlantoaxial subluxation by CT three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. Methods: 3D reconstruction findings of 41 patients with atlantoaxial subluxation were retrospectively analyzed, and comparisons were made among images of transverse section, multiplanar reformorting (MPR) , surface shade display (SSD) , maximum intensity project ( MIP), and volume rendering (VR). Results: Of 41 patients with atlantoaxial subluxation, 31 belonged to rotary dislocation, 5 antedislocation, and 5 hind dislocation. All the cases showed the dislocated joint panel of atlantoaxial articulation. Fifteen cases showed deviation of the odontoid process and 8 cases widened distance between the dens and anterior arch of the atlas. The dislocated joint panel of atlantoaxial articulation was more clearly seen with SSD-3D imaging than any other methods. Conclusions: Atlantoaxial subluxation can well be diagnosed by CT 3D reconstruction, in which SSD-3D imaging is optimal.