Clinical Use of Three-Dimensional Spinal Computer Tomograpy

Abstract

CT slices yield two-dimensional (2-D) representations of the human body. Secondary reconstructions, for example coronal or sagittal images, facilitate the conceptual spatial allocation of anatomical structures. Three-dimensional (3-D) imaging in CT has become possible through the development of special software. An experimental 3-D software programme has been available to us since 1985 on the GE 9800 CT-scanner. For a short time we have been using a very fast version, the “Quick 3-D” software programme, routinely. The object of our investigations was to test the use of the 3-D image procedures with CT and to determine its applicability for the imaging of the spinal region and also its clinical significance for neuroradiological diagnosis.