Three-dimensional imaging of the pediatric trachea in congenital tracheal stenosis.

Technological advances in three-dimensional computer software packages have resulted in fairly widespread acceptance of 3D imaging for musculoskeletal studies. We have recently applied this technology to axial CT images of the pediatric trachea for children with congenital tracheal stenosis, in an effort to replace tracheo-bronchography with a safer, less invasive modality to image the pediatric trachea. This method has provided our surgical colleagues with images which they find easier to interpret because they are more anatomically oriented with respect to regional mediastinal structures, which can be included or removed from the image at will. The images can also be manipulated and rotated through various projections, thus facilitating surgical planning.