The role od panoramic radiography in the diagnosis of cervical spine changes

Abstract

Panoramic is one of the extra oral radiographies that often is used as a primary evaluating image. One of the structures could be seen in this view is cervical spine that dentists often dont pay attention to it. Cervical spine is adjacent to nervous system so its disorders can cause some myelopathic and radiculopathic syndromes. Plain radiographies remain the first stage in diagnostic imaging of cervical spine. Among these radiographies, lateral view is most important. The aim of this study was to determine the role of panoramic radiography in the diagnosis of cervical spine changes. Methods and materials: In this descriptive-sectional study, among the patients who referred to oral and maxillofacial radiology office that panoramic radiography have prescribed them, 40 patients that had cervical spine changes and hadnt awarness of their disease were selected. With having consent, they referred to a noroulogist who did clinical examinations and supplementary radiographies. Results: Twenty-two females and 18 males were present. Mean age was 48.95. None of the radiographies (panoramic and lateral) had anomaly, fracture or lesion. There wasnt a difference in diagnosis of osteophyte and joint mouse between 2 veiwers but there was a difference in the diagnosis of joint space narrowing. None of the radiographies showed sclerosis or disalignment. Density change only was reported in 4 lateral radiographies but wasnt seen in panoramic radiography. Conclusion: Panoramic radiography could have an important role in the diagnosis of cervical spine changes, this emphasizes on dentists and dentistry specialists attention to cervical spine changes.