Spiral CT of the talus: Value of 2- and 3-dimensional reformations.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical value of sagittal 2D- and 3D-reformations of the talus with and without electronic disarticulation compared to axial slices. Material and methods: 23 patients with suspected traumatic lesions of the talus underwent 26 diagnostic CT examinations. Axial slices, sagittal reformations, and 3D-reformations without and with electronic disarticulation were performed. The sagittal 2D- and both types of 3D-reformations were compared to the axial slices with regard to their diagnostic information. Results: Axial slices showed involvement of articular facets in 25 cases. Sagittal and 3D-reformations after electronic disarticulation depicted 23 fractures (23/25), 3D-reformations without electronic disarticulation showed none (0/23). Subluxation of the talocalcanear joint was only visualised on axial slices three times. One complete luxation of this joint was shown on axial slices, sagittal and 3D-reformations without disarticulation. It was not visualised on 3D-reformations after disarticulation. Conclusion: The diagnosis must be made based on the axial slices, supported by sagittal reconstructions. 3D-reformations after electronic disarticulation provide a graphic, detailed and readily recognised image of the anatomy of transchondral fractures, and are very helpful in preoperative planning.