CT - Axis of the scaphoid

The scaphoid has a special position on the wrist because it is orientated at angles of approx. 45 degrees relative to the coronal and sagittal planes. This is relevant in CT imaging.

Due to its anatomical alignment, the scaphoid is displayed obliquely sectioned and shortened in standard coronal and sagittal planes. For precise localization and morphometric analysis, as required by the surgeon for operation planning, reconstruction of anatomically aligned slices through the scaphoid is recommended.

Reconstruction planning is done on a 3-plane display. First, a single-angled image plane is planned on a coronal image (step 1). A second image plane is drawn on the resulting oblique-sagittal image (step 2). The result shows double-angled images in the oblique-coronal resp. oblique-sagittal planes, which are finally fine-tuned (step 3).

Tags: Hand, CT, Computed tomography, Scaphoid, Longitudinal axis