Increasing accuracy of coronal tongue imaging using ultrasound

Abstract

Coronal tongue images made using ultrasound have been limited by lack of precision in transducer placement. To improve precision and accuracy of data collection, especially in the coronal plane, a transducer holder and a head holder have been developed. The transducer holder maintains the transducer at a specified submental location in either the sagittal or coronal plane. Beam angulation is determined relative to the mandibular rami. An acoustic standoff prevents transducer interference with mandibular movement. The head holder consists of three cup‐shaped cushions attached to the back of a dental chair which form a triangular support against the posterior head. A Velcro strap, placed around the head, is tightened by means of an eccentric. The head holder also contains a removable arm which can hold up to three strain gauge transducers allowing simultaneous lip and jaw measurements to be made. With increased instrumental accuracy, more subtle tongue shape comparisons can be made. The effects of coarticulation on midsagittal tongue groove, as seen coronally in /sVs/ and /pVp/ context will be presented at several transducer angles.