MULTISPIRAL COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY IN DIAGNOSTICS OF ACUTE SKELETAL INJURIES IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Multi-sliced computed tomography (MSCT) is widely used to study patients with polytrauma, especially when assessing skeletal and spinal injuries as it has provided possible volume visualization. MSCT has long been used to diagnose injuries of pelvic bones and the spine. For the examination of limb injuries, it is used rarely until now. Although traditionally used radiography often underestimates degree and severity of damages, especially in the complex body parts such as shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee and ankle joints. The role of MSCT is extremely important to identify complex and small fractures, their nature and evaluation, planning of treatment. Multiplanar reconstruction clearly visualizes structural features, and three-dimensional images help to understand spatial relationships, which is important for pre-operative planning and classification of fractures. In addition, modern technologies for suppressing metal artifacts in MSCT allow monitoring postoperative results even in the presence of metal implants.