Is 3D-CT reformation using free software applicable to diagnosis of bone changes in mandibular condyles?

Abstract

Objectives:This study evaluated the agreement of computed tomography (CT) imaging using 3D reformations (3DR) with shaded surface display (SSD) and maximum intensity projection (MIP) in the diagnosis of bone changes in mandibular condyles of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and compared findings with multiplanar reformation (MPR) images, used as the criterion standard.Material and Methods:Axial CT images of 44 temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of 22 patients with RA were used. Images were recorded in DICOM format and assessed using free software (ImageJ). Each sample had its 3DR-SSD and 3DR-MIP results compared in pairs with the MPR results.Results:Slight agreement (k = 0.0374) was found in almost all comparisons. The level of agreement showed that 3DR-SSD and 3DR-MIP yielded a number of false-negative results that was statistically significant when compared with MPR.Conclusions:3DR-SSD or 3DR-MIP should only be used as adjuvant techniques to MPR in the diagnosis of bone changes in mandibular condyles.

Exploring CBCT-Based DICOM Files. A Systematic Review on the Properties of Images Used to Evaluate Maxillofacial Bone Grafts

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Is Electrode-Modiolus Distance a Prognostic Factor for Hearing Performances after Cochlear Implant Surgery?

“…But still, the relation between array position, electrophysiological parameters and auditory performance remains to be established [de Oliveira et al, 2009]. This question is crucial, since it can directly influence electrode array design development and the implantation technique.…”

Is Expansion Thoracoplasty a Safe Procedure for Mobility and Growth Potential of the Spine? Spontaneous Fusion After Multiple Chest Distractions in Young Children

“…32 In a study that compared different 3D reformation methods for bony structures, maximum intensity projection and shaded surface display were found to yield a number of false-negative results when compared with MPR, which is the standard criterion. 33 Although 3D-CT has its drawbacks in demonstrating bony structures while using maximum, average, or minimum intensity projections or shaded surface display, MPR (the technique we used in our reformations) is reported to be particularly useful for evaluating skeletal structures. 34 In addition, one can note that, some of the disks that are observed to be closed in the CTs do not seem to be totally normal in the corresponding preoperative MRIs.…”