Evaluation of Fracture and Subluxation of the Cervical Spine by 2D and 3D Reconstruction CT Imaging

Abstract

It is still controversial whether 2D and 3D reformation CT could present spatial information not readily available from axial CT images in complex cervical spine injuries. We collected thirty-five cases of cervical spine trauma. Thin-section 2–3 mm continuous axial section images or spiral volumetric images were obtained by Picker PQ2000 CT scanner, than, 2D and 3D reconstruction images were created of the entire spine through the area of interest.

The radiological findings were classified to cervical subluxation (atlantoaxial 7, C2 to C7 subluxation 8) and post-traumatic fracture (atlas 3, odontoid process 8, bipedicular axis 4, C3 to C7 13). Associated imaging findings included spinal stenosis, basilar invagination, rotatory and facet dislocation. In our experience, 2D and 3D reconstructions are capable of detecting injuries not visualized by conventional radiography or axial CT, in particular, 3D CT has the advantage of clear depiction of the spatial relationships of the complex anatomy and traumatic pathology in the cervical spine injuries.