QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF LATERAL CEPHALOMETRICRADIOGRAPHS

Abstract

Lateral Cephalometric radiograph is a valuable diagnostic tool for the orthodontist. Quality assurance of radiographs is important as unsatisfactory radiograph can alter patient diagnosis and treatment plan. The main objectives of this study were to assess quality of lateral cephalometric radiographs using three point quality scale and compare the results achieved with minimum targets proposed by NRPB in “Guidance Notes For Dental Practitioners On The Safe Use Of X-Ray Equipment.” Radiographs were obtained from pretreatment records of patient undergoing orthodontic treatment. With exception to basic information section, each aspect of lateral cephalometric radiographic image summarized in “Standards by Faculty of Dental Surgery” was rated by using a three point quality scale proposed by National Radiological Protection Board. Minimum targets recommended in “Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X-ray Equipment” were used to compare results. Out of all the attributes assessed on 266 radiographs, point “B” was the most clearly identifiable attribute while contrast was least clear attribute. 185 (69.5%) radiographs assessed were classified as excellent, 44 (16.5%) radiographs were diagnostically acceptable, while only 37 (14%) radiograph were rated as diagnostically unacceptable which clearly did not meet the targets recommended by NRPB. Quality of Lateral Cephalometric radiograph must be assessed regularly in order to prevent repetition and excessive exposure of radiation to patients