Interobserver variation of single-photon emission computed tomography bone scans in patients evaluated for unilateral condylar hyperactivity

Abstract

Maximum and mean condylar activity levels were highly correlated in patients with mandibular asymmetry. An excellent interobserver agreement was found with either maximum or mean condylar activity.

Clinical Value of99Tcm-MDP SPECT Bone Scintigraphy in the Diagnosis of Unilateral Condylar Hyperplasia

“…The activity level of the condyle is considered to be highly correlated with mandibular asymmetry [ 7 , 8 ]. When making a therapeutic plan, it is important to determine whether there is excessive condylar activity, for example, with the use of a skeletal scintigraphy [ 8 ], which has recently been used in the diagnosis of condylar hyperplasia. Routine imaging examinations, such as X-ray and CT, can only detect anatomical changes and not condylar growth activity.…”

Active unilateral condylar hyperplasia: Assessment of the usefulness of single photon emission computed tomography

“…may be as such because SPECT results are only a snapshot of the relative growth rate between condyles at a given time as Karssemakers et al . stated ( 16 , 20 ). These authors concluded that the diagnosis of UCH activity should be based on the combined use of SPECT and the clinical history of the patient in order to avoid erroneous diagnoses resulting from obtaining results at a specific time of a dynamic process such as growth ( 20 ).…”

“…For confirming said activity, a difference of more than 10% uptake between condyles has been taken as a reference ( 14 ). However, in the light of various publications taken from the literature ( 16 , 20 ), it is not clear that the use of SPECT is the ideal radiological method for establishing said diagnosis and a certain degree of controversy is maintained in this statement.…”

“…This point within UCH management is essential, because once the diagnosis of UCH in a patient has been made, what the development of condylar and mandibular growth will be is unknown and, consequently, how it will affect the facial and occlusal appearance of the patient over time ( 20 ). It is for this reason that diagnosis in patients with active UCH would enable its clinical development to be foreseen, and it would enable the possibility of implementing early treatment thus avoiding the emergence of more serious deformities over time.…”

Unilateral condylar hyperplasia recurrence after orthognathic surgery: a case report

“…After clinical diagnosis, the accurate assessment of condylar growth state is of primary importance to determine a correct therapeutic management. The activity level of the condyle is, in fact, strongly correlated with mandibular asymmetry and the risk of recurrence [6,7]. UCH treatment is primarily surgical and often associated to orthodontics to correct malocclusion.…”