Cone beam CT for identifying fractures of the wrist and hand

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners versus plain radiography for detection and classification of fractures of the wrist and hand after acute trauma.

Methods

Images of 56 patients that received both plain radiography and CBCT after presenting to our emergency department with suspected fracture of the wrist or hand between November 2015 and July 2016 were analyzed retrospectively by three blinded observers.

Results

Using plain radiographs compared to CBCT, 69% of fractures of the carpals and 37% of fractures of metacarpals and phalanges remained undetected. Higher fracture classification reliability in radius fractures was observed when using CBCT.

Conclusion

CBCT is superior to plain radiography in detecting wrist and hand fractures in an emergency setting and presents an alternative first line imaging tool in the acute trauma patient population.

Keywords

CBCT plain radiography fractures of the wrist trauma fracture detection

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Cone beam CT for identifying fractures of the wrist and hand – An alternative to plain radiography?