Radiography of the temporomandibular joint utilizing oblique lateral transcranial projections. Comparison of information obtained with standardized technique and individualized technique.

An individualized technique for radiography of the temporomandibular joint utilizing oblique lateral transcranial projection is described. The patient is fixed in a cephalostat and the central ray directed through the horizontal long axis of the condyle. The information yielded when applying the individualized technique has been compared with that yielded from a standard technique and tomography. The plane of sectioning for tomography was oriented perpendicular to the horizontal long axis of the condyle. The material comprised radiographs from 30 joints. The condyle to fossa relation was studied as well as the occurence of structural changes. Neither the individualized technique nor the standardized technique gave an accurate picture of the condyle to fossa relation when compared to tomography. However, the individualized technique tended to give the same result as tomography more often. Tomography revealed the greatest number of structural changes (66) followed by individualized technique (47) and standard technique (19). Most changes were noted exclusively in one projection. A combination of individualized technique and tomography revealed more changes than a combination of tomography and standard technique.