Three-dimensional Reconstruction of Nasal Septal Cartilage in Nasal Bone Fractures by Volume-rendering using Multidetector-row CT Data

Abstract

  It has been reported that the septum is a key structure to correct and optimize management of nasal fracture. It is useful if deformities of nasal septal cartilage are evaluated morphologically. However, it is very difficult to detect septal cartilage separately in conventional CT since the CT values are close to those of adjacent septal mucosal tissue. Nevertheless, advanced technology machines such as multidetector-row CT and new-generation software have improved the quality of 3D imaging, and this paper describes procedures to achieve visualization of septal cartilaginous deformity using a high-resolution scan and SYNAPSE VINCENT^®. Septal cartilage 3D-CT models were created for six cases of nasal fracture treated in our department since April 2022. Superior views, reducing the opacity of bones, and color-coding of the left and right planes were useful for observation. Although further improvements in image quality are desired, these procedures could be helpful for the diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of nasal bone fractures.