Practicality of exchanging transparent 3D CT for radiography for pelvic fractures.

Objective: We assess the utility of transparent 3D reconstructed CT images for evaluation of traumatic pelvic bony injuries compared to traditional radiographs.

Methods: Radiographs and 3D reconstructed CT were anonymized and randomized before review by 4 board certified physicians using a standardized questionnaire and compared to a gold-standard axial CT by a fifth board certified physician.

Results: 49 patients were included. We found significant agreement (K=[0.5-0.92], p<0.001) and comparable accuracy (K=[0.36-0.38], p<0.02) and ghost images of radiographs and transparent 3D reconstructed CT without a difference in confidence (p=0.38).

Conclusion: Transparent 3D reconstructed CT images may be sufficient for pelvic trauma injury without the use of radiographs.