Validity of digital subtraction of transcranial plain films in quantification of positional changes of the mandibular condyle

Abstract

Condylar positioning problems have been associated with temporomandibular joint signs and symptoms. The position of the mandibular condyle is difficult to predict and quantify with existing routinely used radiographic techniques. An investigation was implemented to test the validity and reliability of digital subtraction to enhance transcranial plain films and to quantify positional changes of the condyle in a laboratory model. The model consisted of a mounted dried human skull and a mandibular condyle attached to a micromanipulator. Controlled changes in condylar position were made, and the condyle and fossa were imaged. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, analyses of variance to evaluate the sources of variability, and linear contrasts to evaluate the differences between observed and expected values. The results indicated that digital subtraction detected posterior positional change within 10% of the expected value. However, inferior positional changes were poorly detected and lateral positional changes could not be evaluated by this technique. We conclude that digitally subtracted transcranial radiographs may be useful for detection of posterior condylar movements, assuming that appropriate head-holding devices are used to fix x-ray source and head geometry.