Computerized tomography in assessment of acetabular fractures

Computerized tomography (CT) can be a useful adjunct to conventional radiography in assessment of acetabular fractures and fracture-dislocations of the hip. Owing to the complex bony architecture of the acetabulum, CT affords better definition of fracture patterns in this region than roentgenography, including special views and tomography. The cross-sectional views of CT offer improved definition of the characteristics of a complex acetabular fracture, including integrity of the weight-bearing dome, congruity of joint surfaces, degree of comminution, size and spatial relationship of fragments, and presence of intra-articular fragments. Computerized reconstruction of sagittal and coronal views at desired levels duplicates polytomography and renders standard tomography unnecessary. Radiation exposure required for a CT examination of the pelvis is equal to or less than that required for a polytomography study. CT can be utilized as a valuable diagnostic aid in the assessment of selected acetabular fractures and fracture-dislocations of the hip, providing often otherwise unobtainable information to the choice of treatment for these difficult injuries.