title: Analysis of condylar position change on digitally subtracted Orthophos P-4 and Sectograph zonogram images.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of two single-image techniques that provide parasagittal views of the temporomandibular joint. Orthophos program 4 and Sectograph zonographic techniques were evaluated using digital subtraction to measure 1-, 2-, and 3-mm shifts of condylar position in horizontal or vertical planes. Precise repositioning of a human skull was facilitated by laser alignment beams. Statistically significant differences between radiographic techniques reflected the tendency for overestimating of shifts with program 4 and underestimation with zonographic techniques. Pooled mean difference values were 0.12 mm for program 4 images of -0.17 mm for zonograms. Program 4 images and zonograms produced with precise repositioning of anatomy approached the accuracy of tomograms and may prove useful for evaluating parasagittal alterations in condylar position in pretreatment and posttreatment radiographs.
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic Sciences Department, University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill 27599-7450, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ludlow
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Tyndall
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bailey
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001175:Arthrography / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014056:Tomography, X-Ray / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*