Investigation of coronoid process hyperplasia using Levandoski analysis on panoramic radiographs

Morphological characteristics of coronoid process and revisiting definition of coronoid hyperplasia

The aim of this study was to assess the morphological characteristics of the coronoid process (CP) and define coronoid hyperplasia (CH) using cadaveric mandibles of a Caucasian population. A sample of 151 adult dry cadaveric mandibles (302 CPs) was acquired. Three distances were measured, which included the width, height, and length of CP. The surface area measurements involved area A: above the width distance line; area B: between incisura mandibulae-Alveolar ridge line and width distance line; area C: between distance lines of width and height. Finally, angulations of the CP and gonial angles were identified. Both length and surface area A + B acted as hyperplastic indicators. Based on the selection criteria, a sample of 197 CPs was included. The hooked shape (59%) was most commonly observed. No significant difference existed between left and right sides (p > 0.05). The mean values of length and surface area A + B were 2.2 ± 0.3 cm and 3.3 ± 0.8 cm2, and any values above 2.7 cm (n = 5 CPs- 2.5%) and 5.0 cm2 (n = 9 CPs- 4.6%) were described as hyperplastic, respectively. The presented data could act as quantitative reference for differentiating between normal and hyperplastic conditions.

Is panoramic radiography adequate for diagnosing coronoid process hyperplasia? A case series

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to compare the length ratios obtained on panoramic radiography and computed tomography (CT) to verify whether the former is adequate for diagnosing coronoid process hyperplasia.

METHODS

A case series of patients with coronoid process hyperplasia was investigated. Length ratios between the coronoid process and condyle were measured on panoramic radiographs by using the Levandoski method and on CT scans by using the methods described by Tavassol et al. and Stopa et al. The mean length ratios obtained using the three measurement methods were compared.

RESULTS

The mean length ratio measured with the Levandoski method was significantly lower than that measured with the method described by Stopa et al. (1.09 [0.09] vs. 1.21 [0.09]; P = 0.0001) and lower than that measured with the method described by Tavassol et al. (1.09 [0.09] vs. 1.34 [0.44]; P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Panoramic measurement of the coronoid process by using the Levandoski method tended to underestimate the length ratio, emphasizing the importance of using a scanographic measurement method at the slightest doubt to confirm the diagnosis of coronoid process hyperplasia.