Detection of Costal Cartilage Fractures on CT Images With Computer-aided Detection System for Rib Fractures.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Costal cartilage fractures are linked to poor outcomes in blunt chest trauma.
• Current Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) systems for rib fractures have not been evaluated for costal cartilage fracture detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if a CAD system designed for rib fractures can accurately detect costal cartilage fractures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 89 patients with costal cartilage fractures over 18 years.
• Radiologist review of fracture location, calcification, dislocation, and callus formation.
• Assessment of agreement between radiologists and the Rib fracture CAD system.

Main Results:

• 246 costal cartilage fractures were identified in 89 patients, with rib 7 most commonly affected.
• The CAD system detected 33 lesions, with 16 confirmed as costal cartilage fractures by radiologists.
• Detection was highest for costochondral junction fractures (13/16).

Conclusions:

• The CAD system can detect costal cartilage fractures at the costochondral junction.
• Sensitivity is limited for fractures without calcification, indicating a need for system improvement.
• Further development is necessary for the CAD system to reliably detect rib cartilage fractures.