Využitie CBCT v detskej traumatológii — prvá odborná prezentácia na Slovensku
The use of CBCT devices in traumatology was officially presented to the Slovak medical public for the first time at the 11th international congress “Trauma in Childhood” in late June 2026 at the X-BIONIC Sphere Šamorín.
The expert lecture, delivered by a team of specialists from MediRad (V. Neuschl and A. Uhrinová), received a positive response from the attending pediatric traumatologists and surgeons. Practical demonstrations and direct comparison of image details with minimal radiation exposure confirmed that Slovak pediatric traumatology now holds a new and justified diagnostic tool.
What is CBCT and how does it differ from conventional CT?
If you have ever undergone a detailed 3D dental scan with a maxillofacial orthopedist, you have likely encountered CBCT. For many years, this technology (cone-beam computed tomography) was used almost exclusively in dentistry. However, the latest generation of devices has pushed boundaries and can now rapidly scan any part of the human body – from elbows and wrists to ankles or the spine.
The main difference from conventional “large” CT (so-called MSCT) lies in how radiation passes through the body:
Conventional CT emits a narrow, fan-shaped beam that spirals around the patient’s body, scanning layer by layer.
CBCT uses a cone-shaped beam. The device performs just a single rotation around the injured area, instantly capturing the entire three-dimensional volume of that region.
Why CBCT is the ideal choice for children
If a pediatric patient requires a CT examination of the musculoskeletal system, CBCT is undoubtedly the better option. A child’s body is extremely sensitive to ionizing radiation. Cells in the growth and division phases react much more sensitively to radiation than adults do, and the risk of future health complications decreases as the child ages, subject to strict limits. Therefore, doctors always apply the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) – using the lowest possible radiation dose for diagnosis.
CBCT offers three key benefits compared to conventional CT
Radiation exposure under strict control
Switching from conventional CT to modern CBCT means a dramatic reduction in radiation dose for the pediatric patient. While conventional CT can emit a significantly higher dose than a standard X-ray during a joint examination, CBCT values remain only slightly above the level of a standard RTG image. The doctor receives a complete 3D model instead of a flat 2D image.
Extreme detail for detecting “hidden” fractures
Children’s bones are unique – they contain growth cartilage, and injuries often result in so-called occult (hidden) fractures or avulsions (tearing off of small bone fragments). CBCT boasts enormous spatial resolution (in the order of hundredths of a millimeter). Thanks to this, an orthopedist or traumatologist can see even the finest micro-cracks in the bone structure that a standard X-ray would miss.
No image limitations due to metals
If a child already has surgical screws, wires, or plates from previous surgeries in their bone, conventional CT creates artifacts around them (the image is “blurred” and brightened around the metal). CBCT technology can suppress these metal artifacts to a minimum. This allows the doctor to precisely check whether the bone is healing correctly under the implant.
Practical application in pediatric injuries
In pediatric traumatology, CBCT should be indicated for complex limb injuries where it is necessary to fully understand the anatomy of the injury before planned surgery or during post-operative follow-ups. Typical examples include:
Elbow and wrist injuries:
Very common in children after falls from bicycles, scooters, or playground equipment. Correct assessment of fractures in the elbow joint area is crucial for preserving full hand mobility in the future.
Knee and ankle injuries in young athletes:
Sudden rotations and sprains can damage growth plates, which can affect further limb growth without timely diagnosis.
Conclusion
The first expert presentation on the use of CBCT in pediatric traumatology in Slovakia confirmed the growing interest in this technology. High spatial resolution combined with low radiation exposure represents a significant contribution to the diagnosis of pediatric injuries and expands the possibilities of imaging examinations in daily clinical practice.
The MediRad team will continue to support professional discussion on the use of CBCT and expand its availability for referring physicians and patients. https://www.medirad.sk/vysetrenia/#cat-cbct-3d-skelet