[3-D CT for the demonstration of findings in compound skull injuries]

Conventional radiographs, axial CT with multiplanar 2-D and 3-D-CT reformations were obtained in 20 patients presenting with craniofacial injuries, to evaluate the capabilities of 3-D-CT. The image quality was assessed by two readers. Sagittal and oblique components as well as comminuted fractures could be detected by 3-D-CT reconstructions similarly to axial CT with 2-D reformations. Displacements over 2 mm were confidently documented by 3-D-CT images. 3-D-CT reconstructions allow an improved demonstration of rotational components of fractured fragments. 3-D-CT images are not as accurate as 2-D-CT in the primary detection of fractures in the relevant anatomic regions. Among 3-D-CT reconstructions, the lateral and partly the facial regions are adequately visualised.