[Contribution of computer tomography to the evaluation of space-occupying processes and abnormalities of the skeletal system].

The contribution made by computed tomography to the diagnostics of the skeletal system was studied in the basis of 53 examinations in patients with space-occupying growths and malformations. With reference to clinical final diagnoses the CT findings were graded into I. Correct diagnosis or diagnosis by exclusion, II. Contribution to determining the growth of the process, III. No additional information obtained via CT. The distribution of these grades was as follows: Grade I = 34%, II = 49%, III = 17%. Indications for CT of the skeletal system were based on the following problems: primary malignant bone tumours; bone metastases in the region on the vertebral column; benign and potentially malignant bone tumours and abscesses in the region of the skeleton itself and of the skull; suspected diastematomyelia; assessment of the vertebral canal in case of suspected inflammatory or tumorous changes of the adjacent areas as well as exclusion of osseous changes in the region of the vertebral canal with peripheral neurological symptoms. CT serves to determine the exact dimension of the growth; to prove infiltration of organs and structures; for the planning of operations; for controlling the course; and for diagnosing relapses.