To demonstrate the potential impact of computed tomography on
orthopaedics, a brief review was done of four generations of scanners and
of one new development (assay of bone mineral in the spine) that is
presently being researched. To assess the utility of the method in treating
orthopaedic problems, the cases of 140 patients, including patients with
congenital anomalies, tumors, infections, and traumatic lesions, were
analyzed. In the majority of the patients the technique provided useful
information, often unobtainable with any other technique.