ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and to compare the validity of the different CT image protocols (single- and multislice CT) in the analysis of simulated mandibular condyle lesions. METHODS: Simulated lesions were created in 15 dry mandibles using a dental round burr. The mandibles were then submitted to a single slice CT, and the same specimens were subsequently submitted to a multislice CT. The analysis was performed by two previously calibrated examiners in four protocols: (1) single slice-axial, (2) multislice-axial, (3) single slice-axial/multiplanar reconstructed (MPR) and (4) multislice-axial/MPR. The examiners evaluated the absence or presence of bony destruction and their localization in each protocol, considering also some bony erosion caused by its reabsorption. Statistical analysis was carried out using validity and chi(2) tests to compare the protocols. RESULTS: Protocol 1 presented the lowest validity values (62.7%). The validity of Protocols 2 and 3 was 66.2% and 72.7%, respectively. The highest value of validity was 93.1% and corresponded to Protocol 4. CONCLUSIONS: All CT-imaging protocols were considered accurate for mandibular condyle lesions assessment. The association of axial with MPR images using multislice CT demonstrated highest accuracy. A new imaging protocol was established for diagnosis of these lesions.
