Tridimensional computed tomography (TC 3D) in plastics: First personal experience

Traditional diagnosis of craniofacial malformations is based on standard radiography, cephalometry and computed tomography. Tridimensional reconstructions (TC 3D) have been useful for a better clinical and therapeutic approach to the complex craniocephalic pathology. This study shows first experiences of use of 3D Siemens programme on Somatom HiQ in the Radiodiagnostic Department of Policlinico S. Matteo of Pavia. Pros and cons of such method in diagnostic and surgical planning of some traumatic, neoplastic and malformative pathologies are reported and discussed. Cephalic dyssymetries are more easily studied because of a better sight of skeletal and soft parts alterations. Better knowledge of relations between skeleton and adjoining soft parts and more accurate cephalometric mensurations, even considering prosthetic treatment, make preoperative planning easy. Limits of such a method are: necessity of sedation for pediatric patients, in order to get complete immobility; exposition to a relative high dose of radiations and some technical artifacts.