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Luetkens KS, Kunz AS, Paul MM, Hölscher-Doht S, Huflage H, Heidenreich JF, Müller L, Bley TA, Schmitt R, Grunz JP. Gantry-free cone-beam CT arthrography for diagnosis of scapholunate ligament injuries: accelerating the preoperative work-up in acute wrist trauma. Eur Radiol 2025:10.1007/s00330-025-11405-7. [PMID: 39891683 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-025-11405-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2024] [Revised: 12/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 02/03/2025]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Combining fluoroscopy and high-resolution cone-beam CT (CBCT) in a multipurpose scanner without a conventional gantry holds the potential for time-saving in musculoskeletal interventions. This study investigated the performance of gantry-free CBCT arthrography in patients with suspected scapholunate ligament (SLL) tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-five patients (29 men, 46.0 ± 15.3 years) who underwent preoperative gantry-free CBCT arthrography between June 2021 and March 2024 were analyzed retrospectively. Three radiologists assessed CBCT arthrograms for tears of the palmar and dorsal SLL segments. Surgical reports served as the reference standard for calculating indicators of diagnostic accuracy. Interreader agreement was tested by computing Krippendorff α. Radiation dose and examination time were recorded. RESULTS Tears of the palmar and dorsal SLL segment were recorded in 25 (45%) and 6 patients (11%), respectively. CBCT arthrography facilitated good sensitivity (range for all readers: 84-92%) and excellent specificity (93-97%) in the assessment of the palmar SLL. For the dorsal SLL, sensitivity (83-100%) and specificity (96-98%) were even higher. Substantial agreement was determined for both the palmar (α = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.74-0.90) and dorsal SLL (0.84, 0.70-0.95). The mean volume CT dose index for CBCT arthrography was 3.2 ± 1.4 mGy. Not requiring patient repositioning, the median time between fluoroscopy-guided contrast injection and CBCT was 3:05 min (2:31-3:50 min). CONCLUSION Gantry-free CBCT arthrography allows for excellent accuracy in the preoperative diagnosis of SLL tears with low radiation dose. The ability to alternate between fluoroscopy and CBCT without repositioning facilitates a "one-stop-shop" approach with short examination time. KEY POINTS Question Performing fluoroscopy-guided arthrography and high-resolution cone-beam CT without patient repositioning appears advantageous for the preoperative work-up of distal radius fractures with concomitant scapholunate ligament injuries. Findings Gantry-free cone-beam CT arthrography allowed for short examination times and high diagnostic accuracy for either segment of the scapholunate ligament (89-98% versus surgery). Clinical relevance Preoperative assessment of scapholunate instability influences treatment since surgeons can reduce radius fractures and perform osteosynthesis via a dorsal portal to simultaneously stabilize the scapholunate compartment or use an additional dorsal access route for ligament suture and transfixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Sebastian Luetkens
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Steven Kunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mila Marie Paul
- Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hölscher-Doht
- Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julius Frederik Heidenreich
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Lukas Müller
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thorsten Alexander Bley
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Schmitt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
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Grunz JP, Huflage H. Photon-Counting Computed Tomography: Experience in Musculoskeletal Imaging. Korean J Radiol 2024; 25:662-672. [PMID: 38942460 PMCID: PMC11214923 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2024.0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of the first photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) system in late 2021, its advantages and a wide range of applications in all fields of radiology have been demonstrated. Compared to standard energy-integrating detector-CT, PCCT allows for superior geometric dose efficiency in every examination. While this aspect by itself is groundbreaking, the advantages do not stop there. PCCT facilitates an unprecedented combination of ultra-high-resolution imaging without dose penalty or field-of-view restrictions, detector-based elimination of electronic noise, and ubiquitous multi-energy spectral information. Considering the high demands of orthopedic imaging for the visualization of minuscule details while simultaneously covering large portions of skeletal and soft tissue anatomy, no subspecialty may benefit more from this novel detector technology than musculoskeletal radiology. Deeply rooted in experimental and clinical research, this review article aims to provide an introduction to the cosmos of PCCT, explain its technical basics, and highlight the most promising applications for patient care, while also mentioning current limitations that need to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Peter Grunz
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Henner Huflage
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Zeng SL, Grier AJ, Langdell HC, Blevins KM, Tian WM, French RJ, Mithani SK, Hammert WC, Klifto CS. Comparison of Low-Dose Computed Tomography Versus Conventional-Dose Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Distal Radius Fractures. Hand (N Y) 2024:15589447241232016. [PMID: 38450618 PMCID: PMC11571514 DOI: 10.1177/15589447241232016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are common upper extremity fractures and often require surgical fixation when they are intraarticular. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a surgical planning tool to evaluate intraarticular DRFs. Although CT affords additional details, patients receive higher radiation doses than standard radiographs. We aim to develop a low-dose CT (LDCT) protocol, relative to the institutional standard-dose CT wrist for intraarticular DRFs although providing adequate detail for surgical decision-making. METHODS A single-institution prospective study was conducted on patients with intraarticular DRFs who underwent closed reduction and below-elbow splinting who otherwise would undergo wrist CT. Observations were defined as total measurements taken, with each view undergoing 44 measurements. Patients underwent 2 scans with a standard dose and a 10× dose reduction. Articular step and gap measurements were recorded in the sagittal and coronal images. RESULTS A total of 11 patients were enrolled (7 women and 4 men). The mean age was 55 years (SD = 20.1). There were a total of 4 reviewers: 1 attending surgeon, 2 resident physicians, and 1 student. When comparing LDCT and conventional-dose CT (CDCT), there were no significant differences in step and gap measurements across all reviewers. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that LDCT provides comparable imaging quality for surgical planning as a CDCT without significant diagnostic decay in the setting of DRFs. This comes with the added benefit of a 10-fold reduction in radiation exposure. These results suggest that LDCT is an opportunity to reduce effective radiation in patients although providing beneficial preoperative imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A. Jordan Grier
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hannah C. Langdell
- Division of Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kier M. Blevins
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Suhail K. Mithani
- Division of Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Wieschollek S, Knie C, Megerle K. Cone-beam computed tomography in the treatment of distal radius fractures. HANDCHIR MIKROCHIR P 2023; 55:174-185. [PMID: 37307810 DOI: 10.1055/a-2055-2591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a relatively new imaging technique in hand surgery. Being the most common fractures in adults, distal radius fractures are of special importance not only to hand surgeons. The quantity alone calls for fast, efficient and reliable diagnostic procedures. Surgical techniques and possibilities are progressing, especially regarding intra-articular fracture patterns. The demand for exact anatomic reduction is high. There is an overall consensus regarding the indication for preoperative three-dimensional imaging and it is frequently used. Typically, it is obtained by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). Postoperative diagnostic procedures are usually limited to plain x-rays. Commonly accepted recommendations regarding postoperative 3D imaging are not yet established. There is a lack of relevant literature. In case of an indication for a postoperative CT scan, it is generally also obtained by MDCT. CBCT for the wrist is not widely used as yet. This review focuses on the potential role of CBCT in the perioperative management of distal radius fractures. CBCT allows for high-resolution imaging with a potentially lower radiation dose compared with MDCT, both with and without implants. It is easily available and can be operated independently, thus being time-efficient and making daily practice easier. Due to its many advantages, CBCT is a recommendable alternative to MDCT in the perioperative management of distal radius fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Wieschollek
- Zentrum für Handchirurgie, Mikrochirurgie und plastische Chirurgie, Schön Klinik München Harlaching, München, Germany
| | - Careen Knie
- Zentrum für Handchirurgie, Mikrochirurgie und plastische Chirurgie, Schön Klinik München Harlaching, München, Germany
| | - Kai Megerle
- Zentrum für Handchirurgie, Mikrochirurgie und plastische Chirurgie, Schön Klinik München Harlaching, München, Germany
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