Ortho cubic super-high resolution computed tomography: a new radiographic technique with application to the temporomandibular joint.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to present a newly developed ortho cubic super-high resolution computerized radiographic technique (Ortho-CT) and its application to the temporomandibular joint.


METHODS
A prototype was assembled on a Scanora (Soredex Findent Co) with the use of a 4-inch image intensifier instead of film. Data were collected from a single 360 degrees scan and a cylinder 32 mm in height and 38 mm in diameter. Images were reconstructed with a software program on a personal computer. Imaging data consisted of 240 (height) x 280 (diameter) cubic voxels, each with a dimension of 0.136 mm. With this small voxel size, the image resolution was high and was the same in any direction. Three patients with temporomandibular joint disease (trauma, pain and dysfunction, fibroosseous ankylosis) were evaluated with Ortho-CT, and the images were compared to routine radiographic films.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary clinical experience with Ortho-CT demonstrates subjectively superior image quality compared to panoramic and conventional tomographic images. The images were similar to conventional computed tomography, but this new radiographic technique is less expensive, takes less space, and gives a lesser patient dose.
Honda
K
K
Department of Radiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan. honda-k@dent.nihon-u.ac.jp
Larheim
T A
TA
Johannessen
S
S
Arai
Y
Y
Shinoda
K
K
Westesson
P L
PL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000844:Ankylosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008838:Microcomputers; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012984:Software; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014056:Tomography, X-Ray; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014962:X-Ray Film; D014963:X-Ray Intensifying Screens