Visualisation of the mandibular canal by different radiographic techniques

6 mandibles were radiographically examined bilaterally to visualise the mandibular canal. 5 imaging techniques were used: periapical radiography, panoramic radiography, hypocycloidal tomography, spiral tomography and computed tomography (CT). Panoramic radiographs were obtained with 2 different X-ray machines. The CT-examinations comprised direct images and standard reconstructions based on axial slices. The specimens were subsequently sectioned for contact radiography. The visibility of the mandibular canal was estimated by 3 observers at special reference points on all radiographs and classified as clearly visible, questionable visibility or not visible. The contact radiographs served as the "gold standard". The inter-observer and the intra-observer agreement were assessed by calculating the overall agreement and the x value. Direct coronal computed tomography, as well as spiral and hypocycloidal tomography, gave better visualisation of the mandibular canal than periapical and panoramic radiography.     

Panoramic radiomorphometry and vertebral fractures in Spanish postmenopausal women

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between panoramic radiomorphometric indexes, and the presence of osteoporotic fractures in a Spanish postmenopausal women.MethodsA sample of 120 women (60 with fragility spine fractures and 60 healthy), aged 55–70 years, with fragility spine fractures, were included in this cross-sectional study that was conducted from 2008 to 2011. All the women were referred to undergo a radiological spine examination, spinal densitometry and a panoramic radiograph for assessing osteoporosis using 3 radiomorphometric indexes: Panoramic Mandibular Index (PMI), Mental Index (MI) and Mandibular Cortical Index (MCI). According to mandibular cortical shape, in MCI, three groups were defined: C3 (osteoporosis), C2 (osteopenia), C1 (health).ResultsSignificant differences were found between all the MCI groups due to their composition between fractures and non-fractures. C1 group (healthy) has less fractures women than C2 (Bonferroni p < 0.001), C1 has less fractures than C3 (Bonferroni p < 0.001) and finally, C2 has less fractures than C3 (Bonferroni p < 0.006). PMI and MI values were significantly lower in cases than in controls (U Mann–Whitney p < 0.001).ConclusionsPanoramic radiomorphometrics mandibular indexes such as MCI, PMI, and MI, may be useful for identifying the population at higher risk for fracture. The relationship between panoramic index and osteoporosis remains unclear and further studies using fragility fracture as a real marker of osteoporosis are warranted to clarify the exact role and effect of one condition on the other and the corresponding clinical implications.     

Forensic age estimation based on magnetic resonance imaging of third molars: converting 2D staging into 3D staging

Background: Established methods to stage development of third molars for forensic age estimation are based on the evaluation of radiographs, which show a 2D projection. It has not been investigated whether these methods require any adjustments in order to apply them to stage third molars on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which shows 3D information.

Aim: To prospectively study root stage assessment of third molars in age estimation using 3 Tesla MRI and to compare this with panoramic radiographs, in order to provide considerations for converting 2D staging into 3D staging and to determine the decisive root.

Subjects and methods: All third molars were evaluated in 52 healthy participants aged 14–26 years using MRI in three planes. Three staging methods were investigated by two observers. In sixteen of the participants, MRI findings were compared with findings on panoramic radiographs.

Results: Decisive roots were palatal in upper third molars and distal in lower third molars. Fifty-seven per cent of upper third molars were not assessable on the radiograph, while 96.9% were on MRI. Upper third molars were more difficult to evaluate on radiographs than on MRI (p?p?=?.375). Inter- and intra-observer agreement for evaluation was higher in MRI than in radiographs. In both imaging techniques lower third molars showed greater inter- and intra-observer agreement compared to upper third molars. MR images in the sagittal plane proved to be essential for staging.

Conclusion: In age estimation, 3T MRI of third molars could be valuable. Some considerations are, however, necessary to transfer known staging methods to this 3D technique.     

牙弓形态对牙科全景X射线摄影的影响研究

分析研究牙科全景X射线摄影原理,以及牙弓形态对全景摄影的影响,提出优化设计的主要指导原则,提高其图像质量。分析全球人群的牙弓形态特征参数,对特定的全景摄影运动轨迹进行优化。牙科全景X射线摄影成像效果有诸多影响因素,断层曲线的设计对设备成像会产生决定性影响,尤其是对尖牙部分。优化断层曲线设计可缩小水平垂直放大倍率变化范围,减少几何失真和牙齿重叠。     

基于蒙特卡罗数学模型两种脊柱全景X射线成像技术受检者辐射剂量的对比研究

目的 比较两种脊柱全景X射线成像技术对受检者产生的辐射剂量。方法 使用仿真体模进行实验,摸索出该体模在日本岛津Sonialvision safire17设备Slot scan脊柱全景成像的适宜成像条件,然后在GE Discovery XR650型DR系统上对该体模进行不同曝光条件的DR脊柱全景成像,3位有经验的放射科医生对两种成像技术的图像进行评分,选择图像质量评分均值最接近的对应成像参数为实验成像参数。将相关成像参数及X射线机信息输入PCXMC 2.0软件,计算受检者脊柱全景成像的器官吸收剂量和有效剂量。结果 Slot scan脊柱全景成像的适宜成像条件为高质量全景成像模式(HQ模式)、SID 150 cm、100 kVp和2 mAs, DR手动曝光模式脊柱全景成像相当图像质量的成像条件为SID 200 cm、100 kVp和3.2 mAs。Slot scan HQ模式、DR手动曝光模式和DR自动曝光模式脊柱全景成像的有效剂量(E)分别为(0.118 7±0.001 4)、(0.084 7±0.000 8)和(0.158 0±0.001 5) mSv,DR手动曝光模式的有效剂量明显低于其余2种模式(F=3 007.293,P<0.05);除乳腺以外,DR手动曝光模式的器官剂量均低于Slot scan HQ模式的器官剂量(P<0.05);除甲状腺、食管、肺以外,DR自动曝光模式的器官剂量均高于另外两种成像方式的器官剂量(P<0.05)。结论 两种手动全景成像技术的辐射剂量均处于较低水平,合理选择全景成像技术的曝光参数和模式可实现低剂量全景X射线成像。     

Sensitivity and Specificity of Radiographic Methods for Predicting Insertion Torque of Dental Implants

Background: Subjective radiographic classifications of alveolar bone have been proposed and correlated with implant insertion torque (IT). The present diagnostic study aims to identify quantitative bone features influencing IT and to use these findings to develop an objective radiographic classification for predicting IT. Methods: Demographics, panoramic radiographs (taken at the beginning of dental treatment), and cone‐beam computed tomographic scans (taken for implant surgical planning) of 25 patients receiving 31 implants were analyzed. Bone samples retrieved from implant sites were assessed with dual x‐ray absorptiometry, microcomputed tomography, and histology. Odds ratio, sensitivity, and specificity of all variables to predict high peak IT were assessed. Results: A ridge cortical thickness >0.75 mm and a normal appearance of the inferior mandibular cortex were the most sensitive variables for predicting high peak IT (87.5% and 75%, respectively). A classification based on the combination of both variables presented high sensitivity (90.9%) and specificity (100%) for predicting IT. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that it is possible to predict IT accurately based on radiographic findings of the patient. This could be useful in the treatment plan of immediate loading cases.