The current state of the issue of using cone beam computed tomography in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases

Abstract

The high incidence rate and wide range of musculoskeletal pathologies determine the improvement of the diagnostic process. Late diagnosis leads to complications, which in turn increase the percentage of disability. Therefore, the search for the most informative method with the least radiation load on the patient remains an urgent problem for radiologists. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a modern and  promising technique that has already found wide application in dentistry and otorhinolaryngology. Among the advantages of CBCT are: three-dimensional image; high spatial resolution; low radiation dose. Thanks to technical improvements in equipment and the introduction of new image processing protocols, it has become possible to expand the indications for conducting the researches, including the researches based on imaging of the upper and lower extremities. Based on the results of a CBCT study, we can evaluate: the shape and contour of the bone; solution of continuity of the bone and malposition of bone fragments; the structure of bone tissue and  the  pathological processes occurring in it (destruction, osteoporosis, osteosclerosis); joint congruence and changes in  articular surfaces surrounding soft tissues. Therefore, CBCT can be introduced into the diagnostic process of bones and joints diseases. The use of this technique will find wide application in traumatology and orthopedics (fractures, dislocations, post-traumatic deformities, aseptic necrosis, osteoarthritis), rheumatology (rheumatoid arthritis, polyarthropathy, juvenile arthritis, gout), surgery (osteomyelitis), oncology (benign and malignant bone tumors) both in the adult population and in pediatric practice. This paper presents a review of the literature, which examines the degree of development of the issue of using CBCT and describes study protocols and protocols for processing the obtained images in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases.