Guillaume Bierry MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Reeta Ramdhian-Wihlm, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jean-Marie Le Minor, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Matthieu Schmittbuhl, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Francis P. Veillon MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jean-Louis Dietemann MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become the reference in dento-facial imaging, but remains poorly used in the exploration of the musculoskeletal system. We compared the diagnostic performance and the radiation dose of CBCT arthrography versus multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) arthrography in the diagnosis of wrist ligaments and cartilage injuries.

Conventional arthrography was performed under fluoroscopic guidance on 10 wrists of anatomic subjects, followed by MDCT acquisition and CBCT acquisition. CBCT arthrography and MDCT arthrography images were independently analysed by two radiologists with evaluation of the following items: scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligaments, TFCC (tear, integrity), proximal carpal row cartilage (chondral tears). Wrists were then dissected and direct observation served as the standard for comparison. Interobserver agreement, sensibility and specificity were determined. Radiation dose (CTDI) of both modalities was recorded.

CBCT arthrography provides equivalent results to MDCT arthrography in the evaluation of ligaments and cartilage with sensibility and specificity between 90 and 100%, and interobserver agrement between 80% and 100%. However, radiation dose was significantly lower for CBCTA that for CTA (mean 2.1 versus 15 mGy).

CBCT arthrography appears as an innovative alternative to MDCT arthrography of the wrist as it allows an accurate and very low irradiating evaluation of ligaments and cartilages.

CBCT arthrography appears as an advantagous alternative to MDCT arthrography for the evaluation of wrist ligmanents and cartilages injuries.

Bierry, G, Ramdhian-Wihlm, R, Le Minor, J, Schmittbuhl, M, Veillon, F, Dietemann, J, Cone-beam Computed Tomography Arthrography: An Innovative Alternative to MDCT Arthrography of the Wrist?.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11009196.html