Three-dimensional CT scan reconstruction for the assessment of congenital aural atresia.

Major advances in medical computer graphics workstations have provided the capability to produce high quality three-dimensional image reconstructions from conventional thin-section computerized tomography (CT) scans with the ability to observe the imaged structure from any angle, with views and dimensions that are comparable to actual dissections. We have applied this technique to the temporal bone to assess congenital aural atresia in surgical planning for hearing reconstruction in six patients. The digital information produced by thin-section CT scanning allowed for the re-creation of multiplanar reformatted, shaded surface, and volumetric images.