Trigeminal neuropathy: improved imaging with a dental computed tomography software program.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the use of images obtained by a dental computed tomography (CT) software program in the diagnosis and treatment of trigeminal neuropathy associated with jaw abnormality.


METHODS
Twelve patients with jaw abnormality associated with trigeminal neuropathy as the presenting symptom were studied by plain film radiography (PFR) and by a dental CT software program (DS) that displays multiple panoramic and cross-sectional views of the mandible and maxilla. The two modalities were compared for delineation of the integrity of mandibular foramen, mandibular canal, mental foramen, incisive foramen, and incisive canal. Also, displacement of the neurovascular bundle was evaluated and scored.


RESULTS
The DS was superior to PFR in showing the bony integrity of the foramina and canals in the jaws, as well as the degree of displacement of the neurovascular bundle.


CONCLUSIONS
DS should be the study of choice for evaluating trigeminal neuropathy associated with abnormalities of the jaws.
Bodner
L
L
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Soroka Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Bar-Ziv
J
J
Reichenthal
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003389:Cranial Nerve Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007568:Jaw / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007571:Jaw Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012984:Software; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*