CT-Based Radiologic Anatomy in Trauma Assessment: From Head to Toe

Department of Human Anatomy, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria

*Corresponding author: George Kelvin Nkem, Department of Human Anatomy, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria, Phone: +234 7069924408, Emails: [email protected]; [email protected]

Received Date: November 30, 2025

Published Date: May 13, 2026

Citation: George KN, and Obianke JC. (2026). CT-Based Radiologic Anatomy in Trauma Assessment: From Head to Toe. Mathews J Case Rep. 11(2):222.

Copyrights: George KN, and Obianke JC. © (2026).

ABSTRACT

Trauma remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, particularly in regions with high rates of road traffic accidents and limited access to emergency care. In these settings, rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial for survival. Computed tomography (CT) has emerged as the cornerstone of trauma imaging, with radiologic anatomy landmarks providing the essential roadmap for clinicians to identify life‑threatening injuries quickly and decisively. This systematic review, conducted in line with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, analyzed studies published between 2017 and 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The evidence demonstrates that radiologic anatomy landmarks enhance CT interpretation across all trauma regions: midline structures and basal cisterns in head injuries, the carina and aortic arch in thoracic trauma, hepatic fissures and peritoneal recesses in abdominal injuries, and pelvic ring alignment in pelvic fractures. Whole‑body CT (WBCT) provides a comprehensive overview in polytrauma, reducing missed injuries and improving multidisciplinary teamwork, though radiation exposure and incidental findings remain important limitations. The CT‑based radiologic anatomy is not just a diagnostic tool but a lifeline in modern trauma care, improving precision, speeding decision‑making, and supporting life‑saving interventions. Future directions include AI‑assisted landmark recognition and standardized reporting frameworks to further optimize trauma imaging and patient outcomes.

Keywords: Computed Tomography, Artificial Intelligence, X‑Ray, Whole‑Body CT.