Spiral CT with three-dimensional and multiplanar reconstruction in the diagnosis of anterior chest wall joint and bone disorders.

Twenty-seven patients with symptoms or clinical findings suggesting joint or bone disorders of the anterior chest wall (ACW) were evaluated by spiral CT with 3-dimensional (3-D) and multiplanar reconstructions. Preceding conventional ACW tomography was performed in 10 patients. ACW joint and bone changes were visualized more adequately by coronal 2-D reconstructions based on spiral CT than by conventional tomography. In addition, nonossified costal cartilages and soft tissues lesions were demonstrated. 3-D reconstructions sometimes added information, especially in patients with fracture and dislocation.