Ortho cubic super-high resolution computed tomography: A new radiographic technique with application to the temporomandibular joint

Objective. The purpose of this study was to present a newly developed ortho cubic super-high resolution computerized radiographic technique (Ortho-CT) and its application to the temporomandibular joint. Method and Patients. A prototype was assembled on a Scanora (Soredex Finden t Co) with the use of a 4-inch image intensifier instead of film. Data were collected from a single 360 degrees scan and a cylinder 32 mm in height an d 38 mm in diameter. Images were reconstructed with a software program on a personal computer. imaging data consisted of 240 (height) x 280 (diameter) cubic voxels, each with a dimension of 0.136 mm. With this small voxel siz e, the image resolution was high and was the same in any direction. Three p atients with temporomandibular joint disease (trauma, pain and dysfunction, fibro-osseous ankylosis) were evaluated with Ortho-CT, and the images were compared to routine radiographic films. Conclusion. Preliminary clinical experience with Ortho-CT demonstrates subj ectively superior image quality compared to panoramic and conventional tomo graphic images. The images were similar to conventional computed tomography , but this new radiographic technique is less expensive, takes less space, and gives a lesser patient dose.