Objective To discuss the clinical value of multiplanar reconstruction(MPR), surface shaded display(SSD) and maximum intensity projection(MPR) with spiral CT in classification of radial head fracture. Methods 28 patients with radial head fracture initially diagnosed by orthopedists were scaned with spiral CT volume scan,original data obtained with transaxial images were send to workstation and processed with MPR,SSD and MIP.Classify all the cases of radial head fracture into type I,II,III and IV according to the classification by Mason.The images by these techniques were compared with DR in the examination position, assessment of fracture line,fragment displacement and spatial relationship. Results In 28 patients,25 cases were diagnosised as radial head fracture by radiology and follow-up,including 2 cases as type I,7 cases as type II, 14 cases as type III and 2 cases as type IV,3 cases were negative.The positive rate of CT scans with postprossed techniques and DR were 89.3% and 82.1%,the CT scans were better in assessment of fracture line,fragment displacement and spatial relationship than DR. Conclusion Spiral CT with postprossed techniques as MIP,SSD and MPR is significant to display the fracture line and classificate the fracture of radial head,which is important for the orthopedists to determinal the therapy.