ASSIGNMENT 11

Assignment 11: Describe the Merits of Using a CT Scan to Examine the Posterior Maxilla Prior To a Sinus Lift Procedure



Assignment 11: Describe the Merits of Using a CT Scan to Examine the Posterior Maxilla Prior To a Sinus Lift Procedure

Introduction

The scanner, also called computerized axial tomography or CAT scan is an imaging system widely used in medical diagnosis that allows to obtain very sharp images inside the body and its various organs, obtaining very accurate diagnoses. This technique was first used in the sixties by two researchers who received the Nobel Prize in 1969, Allen Cormack and Godfrey N. America Haunsfield in England. Already in 1967 he used the device, which was able to provide very clear images of any part of the anatomy, but until 1972 had not been used commercially in Arlington Morley hospital in London and across the board to late seventies.

The CT scanner emits collimated beam of X rays incident on the object being studied. The radiation not absorbed by the object is collected by the detectors. Then the beam emitter, having a specific orientation (eg, strictly vertical to 90 °) changes its orientation (eg, beam oblique to 95 °). This spectrum is also collected by the detectors. The computer 'sum' images, averaging them. Again, the issuer changes its orientation (in the example, about 100 ° tilt). Detectors collect this new spectrum, the 'add' to the above and 'average' data. This is repeated until the ray tube and detectors have a complete revolution, at which time it has a final tomographic image and reliable (Karthikeyan 2006, pp. 1). Nasal fractures are among the most common facial fractures, accounting for up to 40% of the cases of facial trauma. Fights, sports, and motor vehicle accidents are the most common causes. Bony anatomy of the nose includes the paired, wedge-shaped nasal bones; the nasal processes of the frontal bone; and the maxilla. The imaging study of choice for orbital injuries is a computed tomography (CT) scan of the face and orbits. Orbital plain films are not recommended, as some studies have shown a false-negative rate as high as 50%. Once ocular emergencies have been ruled out by careful examination and a CT scan, treatment of isolated orbital floor fracture may consist of early surgical repair or conservative management (Hatano 2004, pp. 339).

CT scans can be done on an outpatient basis and are painless, although some examinations require contrast materials (dyes) to be injected into the bloodstream via an intravenous needle. Modern scanners require only 30 to 60 seconds scanning a portion of the body.

Discussion

A diagnosis of linear skull fractures and fractures at the base of the skull is typically made on radiographic imaging. Plain radiographs have essentially been supplanted by the computed tomography (CT) scan in the imaging of the skull and brain. The CT scan is much more sensitive in detecting subtle fractures of the skull, especially those at the base of the skull. Unlike plain radiographs, a CT scan also images ...