Frequency of cervical spine changes in panoramic images of patients referred to a private or maxillofacial radiology center during (2009-2012)

Abstract

Panoramic is a radiography usually used by dentists. In this view, cervical vertebrate and their degenerative changes could be seen. The dentist by early diagnosis of these changes and referral of the patient could play an important role in the prevention of the progress of these changes. So, in this study we aim to evaluate the prevalence of cervical vertebrate changes in panoramic radiographies. Methods: In this descriptive-cross-sectional study, all patients who had panoramic radiographies between 2009 and 2012 were selected and cervical vertebrate changes were identified. Demographic findings of all patients as well as findings regarding cervical vertebrate changes including osteophytes, joint mouse and joint space narrowing were recorded. SPSS 17 software was used for analysis. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among 6108 panoramic radiographies, cervical vertebrate changes were seen in 95 cases (1.55%). Joint mouse was present in 13.7% and joint space narrowing in 9.5% of cases. The mean of age in patients with joint space narrowing compared to those without narrowing was significantly higher. C2 vertebrate osteophyte was more prevalent in males compared to females (p=0.01). Conclusion: Panoramic radiography could play an important role in early diagnoses of cervical vertebrate changes and this emphasis on the attention of dentists and dental specialists on changes of cervical spine.