Radiographic features of vertically fractured endodontically treated mesial roots of mandibular molars.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the most frequent radiographic appearance of bony lesions around endodontically treated vertically fractured mesial roots of mandibular molars.


METHODS
For the study, 49 extracted mesial roots with vertical fractures (study group) were evaluated and compared to 52 extracted roots without fractures (control).


RESULTS
The "halo" (36.7%) and "periodontal" (28.6%) type radiolucencies were the most typical appearances of periradicular areas around the mesial roots of mandibular molars with vertical root fractures. By itself, bifurcation radiolucency was statistically insignificant (6.1%), however in conjunction with other areas of radiolucency, it was significant (63.3%, P < .0378). No radiolucency (38.5%) and periapical radiolucency (32.7%) were predominant features in the control (nonfractured roots). Amalgam dowel in the coronal part (1-2 mm) of the root was found in 67.3% of the vertically fractured roots (P < .0006). Defined but not corticated (57.2%) or diffuse (32.6%) borders were typical for vertically fractured mesial roots.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of significant variables, such as "periodontal" and "halo" bony radiolucencies, bifurcation involvement, and the presence of amalgam dowel, has prediction sensitivity of 77.6% (VRF group) and specificity of 82.7% (nonfractured roots).
Tamse
Aviad
A
Department of Endodontology, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. tamseaz@post.tau.ac.il
Kaffe
Israel
I
Lustig
Joseph
J
Ganor
Yehuda
Y
Fuss
Zvi
Z
D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D017823:Furcation Defects / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008334:Mandible; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D011176:Post and Core Technique; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012372:ROC Curve; D011859:Radiography; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D019553:Tooth, Nonvital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*