Three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction. A presurgical adjunct in the severely traumatized rearfoot

Abstract

The use of computed tomography in visualizing the complex anatomy of the foot is well documented in current literature. However, one difficulty with CT films, as well as those of other imaging modalities, is that three-dimensional anatomy is represented in two dimensions. The observer is thus required to assimilate the consecutive film slices into an accurate mental picture of the patient's anatomical structure. Many physicians may find the results of this process unacceptable and inaccurate in select cases of severely abnormal patient anatomy. The authors present a solution, three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction, and its clinical usefulness in a case presentation.