3-D-CT RECONSTRUCTIONS IN FRACTURES OF TH E SKULL BASE AND FACIAL SKELETON

3-D reconstructions of the skull base, temporal bone, and skull fractu res were compared to 2-D- CT to evaluate the diagnostic value in traum atized patients. 38 patients with 22 fractures of the facial skeleton (orbita, zygomatic, Le Fort), 12 temporal bone, and 4 skull fractures were investigated. Subjective grading was performed by two physicians (ENT/RAD) in respect of quality diagnostic validity and estimated clin ical impact. The average image validity and quality were graded good. In the temporal bone the average information supplied by 3-D was of in ferior value; here, the lack of information regarding the inner ear st ructures was responsible for the lack of clinical impact. In fractures of the facial skeleton and the skull base a good to very good image q uality was seen and clinical relevance was high. 3-D CT is capable of demonstrating fractures, which is of little value in the temporal bone , but of high value in the skull base and the facial skeleton, especia lly if surfaces are involved or fragments are displaced.