3D-CT and angiography of cast preparations of pelvic vessels: demonstration of arterial blood supply of the acetabulum

Anatomical studies of the arterial blood supply of the acetabulum were performed utilizing conventional angiography and 3D-CT on 27 hip specimens. In 16 cases the arterial arborization was filled with undiluted barium-sulfate via the internal artery and in 11 cases with a solution of resin and lead power. 3 specimens out of 30 were excluded because of extravasation using barium-sulfate in one case and incomplete filling with resin in 3 cases. Conventional angiograms were performed in all specimens and in preparations with resin/lead power additional three-dimensional reconstructions of the surface of the acetabulum and arterial cast were done with 3D-CT. 3D-CT shows precise relationship of the arteries to the acetabulum in any spatial plane and definition of vascular supply without elaborate preparation. 3D-CT is superior to non-selective conventional angiography because of better definition of arterial arborization. Filling with resin and lead powder is optimal for anatomical studies because of its reliability and stability. It permits comparative 3D-CT and conventional x-ray examination and subsequent preparation of the vessels in corrosion technique. The advantages of 3D-CT in vessels of cadaver specimens should encourage research on its viability in patients.