Recent developments in imaging diagnosis in fractures of the acetabulum: the role of CAT and tridimensional reconstruction.

The authors report their experience in a radiographic study of the treatment of 22 cases of fractures of the acetabulum. All the patients were studied using both traditional radiography and CAT, and the results were then compared. In 17 cases (77%) the CAT images were integrated with a tridimensional reconstruction (3D). The diagnostic aid provided by CAT was of crucial importance in planning treatment and selecting the most suitable surgical approach. Furthermore, 3D reconstruction may provide a valuable link between traditional radiography and CAT in evaluating complex fractures. The authors conclude that a comprehensive radio-diagnostic study should be a routine preoperative procedure in complex fractures of the acetabulum, and in all cases where traditional radiography yields doubtful results.