RESUMO
CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: Diseases of the jaw, such as osteomyelitis, condylar hyperactivity and tumors need adequate imaging to evaluate the extension and activity for therapy planning. STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Conventional planar scintigraphy, orthopantomography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used for the evaluation of jaw diseases. METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: Single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) provides metabolic and morphologic information in one imaging step and is becoming increasingly more available in larger hospitals. PERFORMANCE: The SPECT/CT is superior to planar scintigraphy alone, CT and orthopantomography in the evaluation of the extension and activity of osteomyelitis and jaw tumors. ACHIEVEMENTS: In our hospital SPECT/CT has replaced the other imaging modalities in the evaluation of osteomyelitis and condylar hyperactivity. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: If available SPECT/CT should be performed for the evaluation of osteomyelitis of the jaw.
