Interpretations of radiographs

Question 1

3 Objectives of radiographic
interpretation

Answer 1

Detection: presence or absence of
disease

Description: providing information on the
disease according to systematic approach

Differentiation: diseases of similar
radiographic appearance

Question 2

Essential requirements for
interpretation

Answer 2

Optimum viewing conditions

Knowledge of what the radiograph should look like

Knowledge of appearance of normal anatomical landmarks as well as variations of normal

Knowledge of radiographic appearance of pathological conditions affecting the maxillofacial region

Question 3

How to interpret a
radiographic image

Answer 3

LOGIC
* Localize the radiograph
* Observe the shadows of the radiograph
* General consideration of radiographic facts
* Interpretation formulation
* Correlation of radiographic interpretation,
* history, and clinical findings

Question 4

Interpretation formulation

Answer 4

Site (Location)
* (Localized, Generalized)
* (Unilateral, Bilateral)

Shape and Periphery
1. Border (Well defined, ill defined)

2. Margin
   (Corticated, Non corticated, Sclerotic, Radiolucent rim)
3. Shape
   (Round, Oval, Scalloped, Irregular, Inverted pear, Heart shape)

Internal structure
(Radiolucent, Radiopaque, Mixed)
(Unilocular, Multilocular (Soap bubble, honey comb, tennis racket)

Effects on surrounding structures
* Teeth Teeth
Widening of Periodontal membrane space, Loss of lamina dura, Root resorption, Tooth displacement
Root divergence, Hindering of tooth eruption

• Bone
  Expansion, Thinning, Erosion & perforation, Displacement of cortices, Obliteration of max. sinus

Size
(Small – medium –large – Huge)Measured in centimeters

Number
Single
Multiple: Systemic (blood or endocrinal diseases) Syndromes