Diagnostic Performance of Flat-Panel CT Arthrography for Cartilage Defect Detection in the Ankle Joint: Comparison With MDCT Arthrography With Gross Anatomy as the Reference Standard

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic performance and radiation exposure of flat-panel CT arthrography for cartilage defect detection in the ankle joint to standard MDCT arthrography, using gross anatomy and thermoluminescent dosimetry as reference standards. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Ten cadaveric ankle specimens were obtained from individuals who had willed their bodies to science. Five milliliters of a mixture of diluted ioxaglate and saline were injected. Specimens were examined consecutively with the use of flat-panel CT and MDCT. Radiation doses of flat-panel CT and MDCT were recorded using thermoluminescent dosimeters. Flat-panel CT and MDCT arthrography examinations were blinded and randomly evaluated by two musculoskeletal radiologists in consensus. In each ankle specimen, eight cartilage areas were assessed separately: medial talar surface, medial talar trochlea, lateral talar trochlea, lateral talar surface, tibial malleolus, medial tibial pla-fond, lateral tibial plafo...