A comparative study of three dimensional reconstructive images using computed tomograms of facial bone injuries

The purpose of this study was to clarify the spatial relationship in presurgical examination and to aid surgical planning and postoperative evaluation of patients with facial bone injury. For this study, three-dimensional images of facial bone fracture were reconstructed by computed image analysis system and three-dimensional reconstructive program integrated in computed tomography. The obtained results were as follows: 1. Serial conventional computed tomograms were value in accurately depicting the facial bone injuries and three-dimensional reconstructive images demonstrated an overall look. 2. The degree of deterioration of spatial resolution was proportional to the thickness of the slice. 3. Facial bone fractures were the most distinctly demonstrated on inferoanterior views of three dimensional reconstructive images. 4. Although three-dimensional reconstructive images made diagnosis of fracture lines, it was difficult to identify maxillary fractures. 5. The diagnosis of zygomatic fractures could be made equally well with computed image analysis system and three-dimensional reconstructive program integrated in computed tomography. 6. The diagnosis of mandibular fractures could be made equally well with computed image analysis system and three-dimensional reconstructive program integrated in computed tomography.