Abstract: Objective： To explore the diagnostic value of post-processing techniques of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) in congenital spinal deformity. Methods： Thirty-seven cases of adolescent congenital spinal deformity subjected to MSCT and plain radiography were retrospectively reviewed. They were classified into 3 grades based on the utility of the advanced MSCT reformatted images: the grade A group (substantial new information was obtained), the grade B group (confirmatory with improved visualization and understanding of the deformity), and the grade C group (no added useful information was obtained). Twenty cases expected to have nervous system abnormalities were determined by MRI. Results： There were 25 cases (227 deformities) in grade A, 5 cases (29 deformities) in grade B, and 7 cases (35 deformities) in grade C. Deformations were located in the cervical vertebrae in 2 cases, in the thoracic vertebrae in 12 cases, in the lumbar vertebrae in 8 cases, in the cervical-thoracic vertebrae in 4 cases, in the thoraciclumbar vertebrae in 7 cases, in the lumbar-sacral vertebrae in 2 cases, and in the cervicalthoracic-lumbar in 2 cases. 64 deformities were shown by X-rays, and 291 deformities by MSCT. Of the 20 cases suspected of nervous system abnormalities, 5 cases had TCS, 5 cases had diastematomyelia, 3 cases had syringomyelia, 1 case had Chiari-Ι malformation, 2 cases had meningomyelocele, and 4 cases were normal. Conclusion： 3D CT combined with (Curved) multi-planar reformatted images can clearly reveal the whole and detail the anatomical structure of congenital spinal deformity and obtain more useful information not presented on plain radiographs. Curved planar reformatted images can describe the whole scoliotic spine in coronal and sagittal planes and have advantages in wholly observing congenital spinal deformity.

Key words: Scoliosis, Tomography, x-ray computed, X-rays