Analog Radiographs Research Articles

Accuracy of Working Length Measurement Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography at Three Field of View Settings, Conventional Radiography, and Electronic Apex Locator: An Ex-vivo Study.

Determining the working length (WL) in root canal treatment facilitates the treatment prognosis. The introduction of apex locators and new CBCT devices in dentistry influenced this consideration. This comparative study evaluated the accuracy of working length measurement by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in three fields of view (FOVs), conventional radiography, and the apex locator Raypex 5. The descriptive-analytical study was performed on 40 lower premolar teeth that met the inclusion criteria. Direct observation under the microscope was considered the gold standard and compared with measurements by the electronic apex locator, CBCT, and periapical images. The results were analyzed by paired t-tests and Wilcoxon tests. A significance level of 0.05 was considered in this study. CBCT 5×5 FOV with a p-value of 0.733 and analog radiography with a p-value of 0.001 achieved the working lengths with the highest and lowest accuracy, respectively. In addition, the difference between actual and measured working length using analog radiography was significant (p-value <0.05). According to the results of this study, CBCT images at different FOVs and those taken by the apex locator Raypex 5 can be used as a reliable method for estimating the working length. (EEJ-2023-10-141).

The Role of Oral And Maxillofacial Radiology in Identification: Review

Forensic odontology is the unit of dentistry that deals with legal issues. Comparative identification today is based on the comparison of antemortem and post-mortem images of the deceased. The uniqueness of the structures in the oral and paraoral region and their resistance to environmental effects allow comparative identification. Comparative identification is done in 3 stages. These stages are antemortem data collection, postmortem data collection and comparison of these data. Among these data, the most valuable ones are the radiographic records closest to the time of death. For identification, digital radiographs are generally preferred to analog radiographs due to their ease of use and archiving. Although most of the radiography techniques are important in identification, the most commonly used radiography techniques are periapical, bitewing, cephalometric, wrist radiographs, occlusal, panoramic, waters and three-dimensional imaging methods.

Computed vs. film-based radiographs' contour artifacts influence diagnosis of secondary caries

To test local grey-scale changes on dental bitewing radiographs near filling margins for image acquisition. Forty approximal preparations in caries-free amalgam filled teeth and bitewing radiographs were acquired under standardized conditions applying four techniques. Film-based analog radiographs were digitized using flat-bed scanner (FDR). Phosphor-plate computed radiographs (PCR) were directly acquired by scanning VistaScan imaging plates. Image quality was tested using Preset Filter (PF) or manually applied IntraOral Fine Filter (IF) to enhance digital images. Local changes from digital imaging processing were assessed by comparing the margin-near (MN) and margin-far (MF) zone by a multivariate repeated measurements analysis. All images were acquired with 8-bit depth (256 shades). Dentine was displayed in 79 shades for FDR and 54 shades for PCR. PF or IF locally modify bitewing radiographs by darkening marginal dentine by 8 or 29 shades, respectively. The sharpest display of the margin (shades per pixel) from dentine to filling was found for IF (26.2), followed by FDR (23.2), PF (15.3) and PCR (8.3). Computed radiography with phosphor plates generate more homogeneous images compared to flatbed-digitized film-based radiographs. The filling margin was sharpest represented with the IF filter at the detriment of an artificial darkening of the dentine near the margin of the filling. Contour artifacts by filters have the potential to confound diagnosis of secondary caries. Algorithms and filters for sensor data processing, causing local changes above 2% of the dynamic range by non-continuous mathematical functions, should only be applied with caution, manually when diagnosing and reversibly.

Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries.

Imaging modalities to inform the detection and diagnosis of early caries.

Dosimetry of pediatric chest X-Ray examinations in Togo

ObjectiveTo assess the entrance surface dose (ESD) of pediatric chest X-ray examinations in order to establish a diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in Togo. Materials and methodsThe study was carried out in 13 radiology departments within the 6 health regions of the country. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study relating to the dosimetric assessment of the skin of children aged from 0 to 15 years during chest X-ray examinations. The assessment was made by the empirical formula calculation of the entrance surface dose (ESD = 0.15 × (U/100)2 × Q × (1/FSD)2) and with the Internet Dose Calculation Module (MICADO) software online. Statistical assessment was performed using IBM SPSS 21 software. ResultsOur sample numbered 390 with a sex ratio of 1.3 and predominantly male. Examinations performed with the analog radiography units were more irradiating (0.14 mGy) than ones performed with digital detectors (0.12 mGy). The mean dose calculated with MICADO was low (Avg. = 0.12 mGy) compared to that calculated with the theoretical method (Avg. = 0.16 mGy). No significant relationship was found between the professional experience of operators and the entrance surface dose (r > −1 with p = 0.146 not significant). MICADO doses increased with age. The values of the diagnostic reference levels used for the antero-posterior or postero-anterior chest X-ray examinations for children aged 0–1 year; 1–5 years; 5–10 years and 10–15 years were respectively, 0.15 mGy; 0.14 mGy; 0.15 mGy and 0.17 mGy. ConclusionThe entrance surface dose varied greatly from one health facility to another for this same examination. In most of the different age groups of children, the diagnostic reference level was higher than that found in literature. Thus, effective measures must be put in place to optimize the doses delivered to children during chest X-ray examinations.

Use of Acetate Templates Over Digital Radiographs for Templating in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Technique and Its Validation.

Acetate templates were commonly used for templating for total hip arthroplasty. With digital radiographs having replaced conventional analogue radiographs, newer techniques are required. We describe a method for templating images of digital radiographs using conventional acetate templates, which is independent of a magnification marker or PACS system. Fifty-one patients (64 hips) who were treated with primary THA were prospectively evaluated. Templating was done by keeping the acetate template directly over the digital image of the radiograph on a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor, after calibrating the linear scale generated by the digital radiography machine. The size of prosthesis predicted on this templating technique was compared with the actual sizes used during the surgery. Inter-observer and intra-observer reliabilities were assessed. Our calibration method was further validated by comparing the size of the cup calculated on postoperative radiograph using digital templating software (mediCAD Hectec GmbH) and the actual size used during surgery. Accurate size was predicted for 36.7% of the acetabular cup and 35.9% of femoral stems. The accuracy within ± one size was 89.9% for acetabular cups and 91.4% for femoral stems. Excellent inter-observer and intra-observer reliability were seen for both femoral and acetabular components. The method described provides an accurate, reproducible, convenient and low-cost technique of preoperative templating. It combines the ease of using acetate templates with the convenience of being able to use digital images, without the need for expensive software.

Typical errors when performing intraoral periapical x-rays, and their effect on image quality

During the study, intraoral periapical images were analyzed in 300 patients. The possibilities of using the methods of radiography and their influence on the quality of the obtained x-ray images were studied. The intraoral periapical radiography was compared with the results of orthopantomography and cone beam computed tomography. To identify the features of the mapping of zones of periapical destruction, 47 experimental x-ray studies were performed on skeletonized jaws with artificial defects in cortical plates. Often encountered errors are: an arbitrary choice of angles of inclination and the centration of the x-ray tube, the wrong location of the x-ray receiver in the patient's mouth, inaccurate installation or poor fixation of the patient's head, inefficient selection of physical and technical conditions of shooting, non-compliance with the conditions of the photo process with analog radiography or post-processing and printing digital image. The characteristic projection distortions of images resulting from these errors are analyzed and illustrated.

Synchronization of a camera and x-ray tube in digital radiography system in UNNES medical physical laboratory

Much development of medical devices has been made in the field of radiology. An example is the development of analog radiology into digital radiology. The result of a digital radiographic x-ray is a digital radiograph that can be processed further with image processing techniques. After that it can be printed (printed image) or sent by a teleradiology method. To increase the digital image results, a delay was needed between the opening of the camera lens and the x-ray exposure. Then a delay circuit optimization is needed between the DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras, and x-ray exposure on Arduino Uno-based analog radiographs which are used as a unit delay and relay. In the unit delay, a push button triggered a millisecond, so that the Arduino IDE program was needed to set a delay. The relay functioned as a separator between the DC (Direct Current) on the camera and the AC (Alternating Current) on the x-ray tube. The results obtained were that the longer the x-ray exposure, the more intensity. Variation in delay time was regulated in the Arduino IDE program to get the best image quality with the least intensity of light to reduce radiation side effects in patients.

ASSESSMENT OF ADULT DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS IN INTRAORAL RADIOGRAPHY IN TAMIL NADU REGION, INDIA.

In the present study, incident air kerma has been measured, for six intraoral examinations, for establishing regional adult diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), in intraoral radiography, in Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 131units, both digital (semiconductor-based) and analog (film-based) radiography systems, were selected for the study. The third quartile values, for the six intraoral examinations selected for the present study, ranged from 1.2 to 2.0mGy, for the adult settings. The results showed a wide range of patient doses existing across the clinics or hospitals studied. This is the primary study for the establishment of adult intraoral DRL, in Tamil Nadu, one of the major states of the country. Similar studies will be undertaken in other major states across the country to establish national DRLs in intraoral radiography in the country.

Comparison of the quality of the result of digitising panoramic analogue films using transmission and reflection scanner mode with direct digital imaging standard

Introduction: The use of panoramic x-ray radiographs with analogue film negatives is still widely used. Contrast differences in the radiograph are determined by the level of light transmitted from the viewer to the film negative and visual perception of the radiologist, which can cause differences and errors of interpretation. This study was aimed to compare the quality of scanners produced by the transmission and reflection modes objectively with direct digital imaging standard. Methods: This study used a descriptive comparative design with purposive sampling method. Radiographic analysis was conducted towards 30 analogue radiographs of Radiology laboratory of Universitas Padjadjaran Dental Hospital. Digitisation was performed using a scanner with setting modes (reflection and transmission, 8-bit intensity resolution and spatial resolution of 800 dpi). Digitising the negative radiographs of analogue films into digital radiographs will get a range of percentage pixels. Histogram of radiographs with a percentage of pixels in the grey level range 0 - 64 exceeds 50%, including "under-exposed", in the grey level range 192 - 255 exceeding 50%, including "over-exposed". The evaluation was carried out to observe the radiograph exposure homogeneity by dividing the radiograph into 4 parts. Each part was calculated as the mean pixel value; then the standard deviation was searched for the four mean values (STDMI - standard deviation mean intensity) determined the homogeneity. Results: Digitising type of radiograph reflection was included under-exposed because the percentage of pixels in the grey level range 0 - 64 was 86.94%. STDMI consecutive reflection = 8.03, transmission = 18.05, direct digital imaging = 20.86. Conclusion: Digitisation with scanner transmission mode is the best result objectively because it approaches the quality value of direct digital imaging standard.Keywords: Objective quality, homogeneity, reflection, transmission

Digital Radiography For Inspection Of Welded Joints For Industrial Pipelines And Building Constructions

When installing bearing metal structures as well as when constructing technological pipelines in the oil and gas industry, welded joints are widely used. Non-destructive testing methods are used to control the quality of such joints. To date, one of the most popular methods of control is radiographic. In recent times, there is a gradual transition to modern technologies of radiographic control – digital radiography. The use of digital radiography makes it possible to immediately obtain a digital image of the welded joint that provides the possibility of better and faster decoding of images and detection of existing defects. General information on digital radiography, its features and advantages compared to analog (works in the field, the lack of use of "wet" processes and chemical reagents, repeated use of film, etc.) is presented. The sequence of operations of the radiographic control method is also presented. The economic efficiency of digital radiography in comparison with analog radiography is shown. It is concluded that the development of digital radiography in Russia requires the development of national standards that will cover the full range of problems arising when applying this type of control, as well as to establish quality training and education of specialists capable of working with specialized equipment.

Evaluating the use of exposure indicators in digital x-ray imaging system: Gauteng South Africa

IntroductionExposure indicators (EIs) are the only indicator of correct exposure technique in digital x-ray imaging systems but the use of such indicators remains largely unexplored in a South African setting. With exposure creep in the digital radiography age being a worldwide phenomenon, the study investigated radiographers’ familiarity and use of EIs, providing insight into current exposure technique practices in this setting. MethodsAn explorative and descriptive quantitative study was conducted at 10 randomly selected radiography clinical training facilities in Gauteng, South Africa. The study used a questionnaire consisting of 26 questions based on familiarity with and use of EIs and radiographers’ attitude to ionising radiation. ResultsA response of rate of 49.3% was achieved. Results show a low number of respondents (54.3%) had a perfectly correct understanding of the exposure indicator (EI) and only 55.7% of respondents made correct use of the EI. ConclusionObservable lack of familiarity and use of the EI suggests that improvements could be made to the training radiographers receive on digital imaging systems. Moreover radiographers need to be vigilant against making decisions in digital radiography using knowledge that may relate exclusively to analogue radiography.

Bone Augmentation with Bovine Bone Xenograft: 5 Years Result of Retrospective Cohort Study

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the crestal bone loss around the implants following guided bone regeneration in dehiscence and fenestrations and its effect on peri-implant health after a period of five years. Materials and Methods: A total of 41 consecutively treated patients who had received bovine particulate bone augmentation Endobon® (Biomet 3i) were evaluated in a single center. From this cohort, 13 patients were enrolled in the study and the others were drop-outs. 17 implants were installed in the patients. The patients were contacted 5 years after implant loading. All patients had undergone periapical radiographs and orthopantogram immediately after crown installation T0 and then 5 years after placing the implants T1. Digital and analog radiographs were evaluated by one clinician from the patient charts after the crown installation. The periodontal chart was taken, pocket depth, bleeding on probing and plaque amount was scrutinized around each implant. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software Results: All implants survived after 5 years of loading. Significant bone loss was revealed between the baseline and the follow-up time at the implant sites. The overall mean bone loss at the implant site was 0.69 (SD: 0.73). On the mesial side for all but two implants (0.03 and 0.04) the evolution was toward bone loss. On the distal side for all but three implants (0.01, 0.02, 0.02) the evolution was toward loss of bone. No difference in the bone loss was seen between mesial and distal sites. 87.5% of the implant sites with bone augmentation showed bleeding on probing. The plaque was seen in 31.3% of the implant sites Conclusion: Bone augmentation with bovine bone hydroxyapatite in one stage implant surgery remained stable during the 5 years follow-up around the minimally rough implants used in this study. However, the amount of bone loss and mucositis at the implant sites with GBR remained significantly high.

Comparison of computerized digital and analog radiography for detection of bronchial pattern in dogs

Background: Analog radiography has been replaced with digital radiography for canine diagnostic imaging in many veterinary clinics. There is no data comparing these modalities in a veterinary clinical setting to detect bronchial pattern signs in dogs. Objectives: In this study, computerized digital radiography (CR) and analog radiography were compared for diagnosis of bronchial pattern in dogs. Methods: Forty-five healthy (based on clinical examination and history taking) mixed breed dogs were divided into 3 age groups: up to two, two-six and more than 6 years old. Each group contained fifteen dogs. DR and FSR in right to left lateral (RL) and ventrodorsal (VD) views were taken. Two expert radiologists interpreted the radiographs based on counting bronchial ring and tram line signs in a double blinded scheme. Results: The statistical analysis of results, with Sign Test, shows that more bronchial ring and tram-like signs were counted with both radiologists using digital radiography. In addition, countable bronchial signs on right lateral position by digital and analog radiography were significantly more than in ventrodorsal view. In comparison with analog images, a greater number of bronchial ring and tram-like signs are associated with greater diagnostic confidence in digital modality. Conclusions: This study shows superior ability of digital radiography for detecting details in thoracic radiography of normal dogs in comparison with analog radiography. Since digital radiography is getting to be more commonly used by veterinary practitioners, it is necessary to understand the shortcomings of current classification of pulmonary pattern approach in digital radiology.

Comparison of incident air kerma (ki) of common digital and analog radiology procedures in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province

Abstract Introduction: Although in many developed countries, Analog radiography (AR) is replaced with digital radiography (DR) but AR is still widely used in many countries included Iran. Therefore, dosimetrically assessment of delivered dose is very important to avoid unnecessary patient dose. Materials and Methods: In this study, all imaging centers in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad were selected. The initial information included the mean kVp and mAs used by the personnel to perform each radiological procedure were gathered through a questionnaire. Barracuda dosimeter was then used to measure Incident air kerma (ki). Data obtained from digital radiography (DR) and analogue radiography (AR) were then analyzed and compared to each other. Results: The mean incident air kerma (ki) for five radiological procedures (chest AP&amp;Lat, Skull AP&amp;Lat, Lumbar spine AP&amp;Lat, Thoracic spine AP&amp;Lat and Pelvis) in digital devices were 0.38&amp;1.34, 2.1&amp;1.94, 4.99&amp;7.83, 4.18&amp; 6.41 and 4.33 mGy and those for analogue devices were 0.7&amp;1.28, 3.05&amp;3.02, 7.25&amp;9.9, 7.125&amp;8.36 and 5.36 mGy, respectively. Discussion and Conclusion: The use of low kVp or high mAs is one of the reasons to increase the incident air kerma (ki) in analogue methods comparing to digital methods in all procedures except the chest (in Lateral view). Also the results, surprisingly, showed that in some of the analogue methods incident air kerma (ki) was less than digital methods which is most probably because of the auto-exposure conditions.

Assessment of periodontal bone level revisited: a controlled study on the diagnostic accuracy of clinical evaluation methods and intra-oral radiography.

The accuracy of analogue and especially digital intra-oral radiography in assessing interdental bone level needs further documentation. The aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiographic bone level assessment to intra-surgical bone level registration (1) and to identify the clinical variables rendering interdental bone level assessment inaccurate (2). The study sample included 49 interdental sites in 17 periodontitis patients. Evaluation methods included vertical relative probing attachment level (RAL-V), analogue and digital intra-oral radiography and bone sounding without and with flap elevation. The latter was considered the true bone level. Five examiners evaluated all radiographs. Significant underestimation of the true bone level was observed for all evaluation methods pointing to 2.7mm on average for analogue radiography, 2.5mm for digital radiography, 1.8mm for RAL-V and 0.6mm for bone sounding without flap elevation (p<0.001). Radiographic underestimation of the true bone level was higher in the (pre)molar region (p≤0.047) and increased with defect depth (p<0.001). Variation between clinicians was huge (range analogue radiography 2.2-3.2mm; range digital radiography 2.1-3.0mm). All evaluation methods significantly underestimated the true bone level. Bone sounding was most accurate, whereas intra-oral radiographs were least accurate. Deep periodontal defects in the (pre)molar region were most underrated by intra-oral radiography. Bone sounding had the highest accuracy in assessing interdental bone level.

Evaluation of Conventional Radiography and an Electronic Apex Locator in Determining the Working Length in C-shaped Canals.

Introduction:The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the accuracy of working length determination using the apex locator versus conventional radiography in C-shaped canals. Methods and Materials:After confirming the actual C-shaped anatomy using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), 22 extracted C-shaped mandibular second molars were selected and decoronated at the cemento-enamel junction. The actual working length of these canals were determined by inserting a #15 K-file until the tip could be seen through the apical foramen and the working length was established by subtracting 0.5 mm from this length. The working length was also determined using conventional analog radiography and electronic apex locator (EAL) that were both compared with the actual working length. The data was statistically analyzed using paired t-test and marginal homogeneity test. Results:There was no significant differences between the working length obtained with apex locator and that achieved through conventional radiography in terms of measuring the mesiolingual and distal canals (P>0.05); while, significant differences were observed in measurements of the mesiobuccal canals (P=0.036). Within ±0.5 mm of tolerance margin there was no significant difference between EAL and conventional radiography. Conclusion:The apex locator was more accurate in determination of the working length of C-shaped canals compared with the conventional radiography.

The digital radiography of archaeological pottery: Program and protocols for the analysis of production

Archaeologists collaborating with material scientists at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) as part of the Making of Ancient Eurasia (MAE) Project have developed formal methodological standards for the assemblage-based digital radiographic (DR) analysis of archaeological pottery. While analog radiography of pottery (X-radiography, Xeroradiography, etc.) has functioned as a common disciplinary tool for some time, inaccessibility, obsolescence, and significantly enhanced functionality have made DR instrumentation increasingly attractive and vital. This article presents the theoretical underpinnings, technique development, and resultant protocols that allow digital radiography to analyze very large assemblages and provide quantitative data sets that act as true counterparts to geochemical and mineralogical ones. As a technique of structural pottery evaluation, DR is particularly suited to the analysis of ceramic paste preparation and vessel formation, providing lines of evidence that can flesh out neglected portions of the chaîne opératoire, augment existing geochemical or typological classifications, and help more deeply characterize various potting traditions. Such datasets are most useful to scholars interested in harnessing the ability of the pottery “life cycle” to shed light on economic life, learning frameworks, and human social differences and group identities. The technical capacities and analytical potential of DR are demonstrated through several test analyses of ancient Chinese pottery, to be followed by more extensive case studies in draft. Prospects for closely related, three-dimensional X-ray computed tomographic approaches are also discussed.

Panoramic radiographs made before complete removable dental prostheses fabrication: A retrospective study of clinical significance

Statement of problemThe value of digital panoramic radiographs to screen for problems before fabricating conventional complete dentures is unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the influence of pretreatment digital panoramic radiographs on the clinical management of patients receiving complete removable dental prostheses. Material and methodsThe clinical records, including panoramic radiographs, of 169 patients seeking new complete removable dental prostheses over a 6-year period were interpreted independently by both a prosthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial radiologist to identify radiographic findings that influenced clinical patient management. A 95% confidence interval and an observed proportion of agreement were used to interpret the results. ResultsSixty percent of the 169 radiographs examined had 1 or more abnormal or positive radiographic findings; however, only 6 (<4%) of 165 abnormalities detected influenced patient management, and 3 of them were identified during the clinical examination. ConclusionsPretreatment digital panoramic radiographs revealed very few abnormalities that influenced the treatment of patients requiring complete removable dental prostheses. Furthermore, the digital images in this study revealed positive findings at a rate similar to those found in studies assessing analog radiographs, reinforcing current guidelines that recommend against radiographic screening of patients who seek new complete removable dental prostheses.

Series: Practical Evaluation of Clinical Image Quality (4): Determination of Image Quality in Digital Radiography System.

Recently, for medical imaging, digital radiography systems are widely used in clinical practices. However, a study in the past reported that a patient radiation exposure level by digital radiography is in fact not lower than that by analog radiography system. High level of attention needs to be paid for over-exposure when using the conventional analog radiography with a screen and a film, as it results in high density of the film. However, for digital radiography systems, since the automatic adjusting function of image density is equipped with them, no attention for radiation dose need to be paid. Thus technologists tend to be careless and results in higher chance for over-exposure. Current digital radiography systems are high-performance in the image properties and capable of patient dose reduction. Especially, the image quality of the flat panel detector system is recognized, higher than that of the computed radiography system by imaging plates, in both objective and subjective evaluations. Therefore, we technologists are responsible for optimizing the balance between the image quality of the digital radiogram and the radiation dose required for each case. Moreover, it is also required for us as medical technologists to make effective use of such evaluation result of medical images for patients.