MDP-SPECT Versus Hybrid MDP-SPECT/CT in the Evaluation of Suspected Pars Interarticularis Fracture in Young Athletes

To assess benefits of hybrid (single photon emission computerized tomography [SPECT]/computed tomography [CT]) imaging over SPECT imaging only in the management of young athletes with low back pain (LBP) due to suspected pars interarticularis fracture.

Retrospectively reviewed medical records of 163 consecutive patients who had radionuclide SPECT imaging for evaluation of LBP between January 1, 2010 and December 30, 2015. All enrolled patients were divided into two groups (group 1: patients with radionuclide SPECT imaging only and group 2: patients with radionuclide hybrid imaging). Radiation dose, cost benefits, and mean duration of delay in complete diagnosis were assessed and compared using Fisher's exact test.

A total of 91 patients were enrolled after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The volume CT dose index and dose length product (DLP) estimated for a scan length of 10 cm (DLP 10) were significantly lower for patients in group II (CTDI_vol ) (P  =  .001 and P  =  .001). Although, there was no significant difference in actual DLP (P  =  .52). There was a median delay of 7 days (interquartile range 2-10 days) for complete diagnosis in group I patients. Least expensive imaging for early definitive diagnosis required for the treatment decisions was in patients who had a radionuclide Technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate bone scan with limited lumbar spine planar and SPECT imaging followed by a thin slice, limited CT performed only when SPECT imaging was positive for an active pars interarticularis fracture. No significant difference in the management of patients between the groups (P  =  .47).

Hybrid imaging should be preferred over SPECT only imaging for initial evaluation of suspected pars interarticularis fracture in young athletes with LBP.