SPIRAL CT OF THE TALUS - VALUE OF 2-DIMEN SIONAL AND 3-DIMENSIONAL REFORMATIONS

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical value of sagittal 2D- and 3D-reforma tions of the talus with and without electronic disarticulation compare d to axial slices. Material and methods: 23 patients with suspected tr aumatic lesions of the talus underwent 26 diagnostic CT examinations. Axial slices, sagittal reformations, and 3D-reformations without and w ith electronic disarticulation were performed. The sagittal 2D- and bo th types of 3D-reformations were compared to the axial slices with reg ard to their diagnostic information. Results: Axial slices showed invo lvement of articular facets in 25 cases. Sagittal and 3D-reformations after electronic disarticulation depicted 23 fractures (23/25), 3D-ref ormations without electronic disarticulation showed none (0/23). Sublu xation of the talocalcanear joint was only visualised on axial slices three times. One complete luxation of this joint was shown on axial sl ices, sagittal and 3D-reformations without disarticulation. It was not visualised on 3D-reformations after disarticulation. Conclusion: The diagnosis must be made based on the axial slices, supported by sagitta l reconstructions. 3D-reformations after electronic disarticulation pr ovide a graphic, detailed and readily recognised image of the anatomy of transchondral fractures, and are very helpful in preoperative plann ing.