COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY IN PEDIATRIC ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

The use of computed tomography (C.T.) in the diagnosis and management of developmental and pathological conditions of the jaws in children w as evaluated. CT was found to be superior to plain film radiography in estimation of the three-dimensional morphology of the abnormality in the jaws, in determining spatial relationship and proximity to vital s tructures. It is valuable by allowing accurate planning of the surgica l procedure, estimation of the extent of the surgery and prediction of outcome as well as complications and prognosis. CT in the appropriate circumstances, is a very useful diagnostic tool in pediatric maxillof acial surgery. Tissue preservation and precision are of utmost importa nce, especially in children where many structures have not reached the ir final dimensions. Careful consideration should be given to risk ben efit ratios due to higher exposure to radiation.