Estimation of artifacts induced by the Ilizarov device in quantitative computed tomographic analysis of tibiae

This study concerns the estimation of the artifacts introduced by the metal lic frame of an Ilizarov apparatus during quantitative computed tomography for the assessment of neoosteogenesis. Ten cadaver tibiae were tomographed before and after the mounting of an Ilizarov device. The increase in mean d ensity and in the relative number of pixels were used as indicators of the artifacts induced by the apparatus. No significant influence by the device was recorded in regions corresponding to a corticotomy site. In regions clo se to the metallic rings of the Ilizarov apparatus, measurements are distor ted significantly, but with no influence on the assessment of neoosteogenes is. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.