title: Evaluation of TMJ by conventional transcranial radiography and indirect digitized images to determine condylar position in primary dentition.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate temporomandibular joint radiographs of children in primary dentition, obtained by conventional transcranial radiography, indirect digitization, digitized images using 3D and brightness/contrast tools. Condyle position was also determined measuring anterior, superior and posterior joint space. The X-Ray machine GE-1000 and the head positioner Accurad 200 were used. Radiographs were digitized using a scanner with transparency and registered in Adobe Photoshop 5.0. Images were evaluated by four examiners as follows: 0--unacceptably quality; 1--poorly diagnostic quality; 2--optimal visualization quality. Articular space was measured using a digital caliper. A significant difference (Sign Test) was found between conventional radiography and the remaining modalities (Conventional/Unenhanced p<0.001; Conventional/3D p<0.001; Conventional/Brightness and Contrast p=0.017). The mean distance of anterior, superior and posterior regions was 2.2(0.5), 3.5(0.9) and 3.9(1.2) mm, respectively. Conventional and brightness/contrast digitized radiographs showed higher diagnostic quality. The posterior joint space was larger than the anterior one, demonstrating anterior condylar position.
authors.affiliation: Oral Physiology Department, Piracicaba Dental School-State University of Campinas (FOP/UNICAMP), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luciano José
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Leonardo Rigoldi
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Bonjardim
authors.forename: Paula Midori
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Castelo
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Haiter Neto
authors.forename: Maria Beatriz Duarte
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Gavião
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital / Q000379:methods*; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous