JP3615733B2 - Auxiliary tool for intraoral radiography - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an auxiliary tool for performing intraoral X-ray imaging, and more particularly to an auxiliary tool suitable for performing intraoral X-ray imaging using a portable X-ray generator.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recently, with the aging of the population, the number of elderly people who are bedridden at home or in hospitals is increasing. There are also many bedridden people with severe disabilities who are not free. Among such bedridden elderly people and severely disabled people, there are many people who have a dental disease, and it is not easy to go to the hospital, so they must rely on visiting medical care.
In the treatment of bedridden elderly people and severely disabled persons having such dental diseases, there is a high need for X-ray photography, and X-ray photography is also essential when extracting or creating and adjusting a denture.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been proposed in view of such circumstances, and it is possible to perform intraoral X-ray imaging for home treatment using a portable X-ray generator very easily, and further into the oral cavity. It aims at providing the auxiliary tool which can reduce the discomfort accompanying insertion of the.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An auxiliary tool for intraoral X-ray imaging according to the present invention proposed to achieve the above object includes an adapter part that is detachably attached to an X-ray irradiation part of an X-ray generator, and X-ray irradiation from the adapter part. A support arm that extends in a direction, and a film holder that is provided at the tip of the support arm and detachably holds the X-ray film so as to receive the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator The film holder is attached to the tip of the support arm so as to be rotatable within a plane including the X-ray film mounting surface.
[0005]
Various shapes can be adopted as the shape of the adapter portion depending on the shape of the X-ray irradiation portion of the X-ray generator.
For example, when the X-ray irradiation part is cylindrical or conical (cone shape), a ring-shaped adapter part can be employed. If a ring-shaped adapter part is employed, the adapter part can be attached to the X-ray irradiation part at an arbitrary angle. Therefore, it is possible to change the attachment angle of the auxiliary tool at any time according to the dental disease site to be imaged while keeping the X-ray generator in a normal use state during X-ray imaging, and X-ray generation at the time of imaging The operability of the vessel can be improved.
[0006]
In the present invention, the film holder can adopt a configuration in which the X-ray film mounting surface of the film holder is rotatably attached to the tip of the support arm within a plane including the mounting surface.
[0007]
According to this configuration, for example, a rectangular X-ray film is attached to the film holder, and the X-ray film (film holder) is rotated vertically or horizontally in accordance with the dental disease site or jaw shape to be photographed. can do. Thereby, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of auxiliary tools for mounting the X-ray film vertically or horizontally, and versatility can be improved.
[0008]
In the present invention, a configuration may be adopted in which a curved portion is provided in the vicinity of the support arm on the side of the film holder so as to protrude in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the film holder.
In other words, according to this configuration, when the film holder is inserted into the oral cavity, a curved portion is formed at a portion where the support arm contacts the lips. Thereby, the pressing of the lips by the support arm when the auxiliary tool is inserted into the oral cavity can be avoided by the curved portion, the uncomfortable feeling associated with the insertion is reduced, and the film holder can be easily inserted and positioned.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an assisting tool 1 for intraoral radiography according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2A and 2B are a front view and a side view of the assisting tool 1, and FIGS. FIG. 4D is a perspective view showing a procedure for attaching the X-ray film to the film holder, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where the auxiliary tool 1 is attached to the X-ray generator.
[0010]
The auxiliary tool 1 of the present embodiment includes an adapter unit 10 that is detachably attached to an X-ray irradiation unit 40 of the X-ray generator 4 described later, and a support arm that extends from the adapter unit 10 in the X-ray irradiation direction. 20 and a film holder 30 that is provided at the distal end portion of the support arm 20 (support portion 22 described later) and detachably holds the X-ray film F so as to receive the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator 4. And are formed integrally.
[0011]
The adapter unit 10 is provided with a fixing mechanism 16 for fixing the support arm 20 to the ring-shaped adapter main body 11 and a fixing knob 13 for fixing the adapter main body 11 to the X-ray irradiation unit of the X-ray generator. Yes.
[0012]
The adapter body 11 is manufactured by molding a synthetic resin material, has a substantially octagonal outer shape that is chamfered, and has a ring shape with a large circular opening 11a inside. The X-ray irradiator 40 is inserted into the opening 11a for mounting.
A fixing mechanism 16 formed of a metal fixing knob 12 and a fixing bracket 14 for fixing the support arm 20 so as to be adjustable in length is provided at the lower part of the adapter body 11.
[0013]
The fixing mechanism 16 has the following structure. In other words, a rectangular through hole 11b through which the support arm 20 is inserted is provided in the lower part of the adapter body 11 toward the central axis of the opening 11a, and an opening reaching the through hole 11b ( (Not shown) is opened in the vertical direction.
A fixing bracket 14 having a screw hole (not shown) at the center is fixed to the lower surface of the adapter body 11 with two screws 15.
Then, the opening 11a of the adapter main body 11 is inserted into the X-ray irradiation section, and the fixing knob 13 is screwed in, whereby the tip of the screw section 13a presses the X-ray irradiation section and fixes the adapter main body 11 to the X-ray irradiation section. It is structured.
[0014]
Further, a screw hole (not shown) penetrating toward the center of the opening 11a is provided in the upper inclined surface of the adapter main body 11, and a screw portion 13a of a metal fixing knob 13 is screwed into the screw hole. Then, the opening 11a of the adapter main body 11 is inserted into the X-ray irradiation section, and the fixing knob 13 is screwed in, whereby the tip of the screw section 13a presses the X-ray irradiation section and fixes the adapter main body 11 to the X-ray irradiation section. It is structured.
[0015]
The support arm 20 is an elongated arm made of stainless steel having a square cross section, and one end is inserted into the through hole 11b of the adapter body 11, and a curved portion 21 that protrudes downward is formed on the other end side. ing. Further, the leading end portion following the bending portion 21 is bent upward to form a support portion 22, and the film holder 30 is attached to the upper end portion of the support portion 22.
[0016]
The film holder 30 is formed of a substantially rectangular film mounting plate 31 having film holding portions 32 on both sides, and the plate surface of the film mounting plate 31 forms an X-ray film mounting surface. This film mounting plate 31 is also made of stainless steel.
The film mounting plate 31 is rotatably fixed to the upper end portion of the support portion 22 of the support arm 20 by a fixing screw 33. By applying a predetermined force to the film mounting plate 31, the film mounting plate 31 is made to be an X-ray film. It can be freely rotated in a plane including the mounting surface.
[0017]
The film holding portion 32 is provided with a frame having an L-shaped cross section facing inward along both side edges of the film mounting plate 31, and is formed between the frame and the film mounting plate 31. The both side edges of the X-ray film are inserted and held in the opposed grooves. The film holding part 32 has a groove width corresponding to the thickness of the X-ray film to be mounted. In other words, the width of the groove of the film holding portion 32 is made different between the case of using an X-ray film packaged in a single sheet and the case of using an X-ray film packaged in two sheets (a film that is photographed by overlapping two sheets). ing.
[0018]
Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the film mounting plate 31 (X-ray film mounting surface) is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the central axis (see the wavy line) of the opening 11a of the adapter body 11. In addition, the fixing screw 33 of the film holder 30 is positioned close to the central axis of the opening 11a. Therefore, most of the X-ray flux emitted from the X-ray irradiation unit 40 of the X-ray generator 4 reaches a position centered on the fixing screw 33. Further, as described above, the support arm 20 extends toward the central axis direction (X-ray irradiation central axis direction) of the opening 11a of the adapter body 11.
[0019]
With this configuration, even if the length of the support arm 20 is adjusted with respect to the adapter unit 10, the film mounting surface is always orthogonal to the central axis of the opening 11a, and the fixing screw 33 of the film holder 30 is close to the central axis. It is set as a position.
In other words, since the center axis of the opening 11a of the adapter body 11 and the X-ray irradiation center axis coincide with each other, the X-ray irradiation center can be adjusted even if the length of the support arm 20 is adjusted with respect to the adapter unit 10. The axis is always orthogonal to the X-ray film and no image distortion occurs, and X-rays are not always irradiated properly to the X-ray film.
[0020]
Further, as described above, the auxiliary tool 1 of the present embodiment has the film holder 30 and the support arm 20 made of stainless steel. The support arm 20 to which the film holder 30 is attached by loosening the fixing knob 12 is attached to the adapter body 11. Can be removed from. Thereby, the film holder 30 including the support arm 30 can be easily boiled or sterilized, which is hygienic.
[0021]
To attach the X-ray film F to the film holder 30, as shown in FIG. 3A, the X-ray film F is pressed downward so that both side edges of the X-ray film F fit inside the groove of the film holding portion 32. To do. Thereby, the X-ray film F is held on the film mounting plate 31. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, it is possible to press-insert the X-ray film F while the film mounting plate 31 is rotated upward, and as shown in FIG. 3D. The X-ray film F may be pressed and inserted while the film mounting plate 31 is rotated in the lateral direction. Further, the X-ray film F can be mounted at an arbitrary position as long as the X-ray film F is not detached from the film holding unit 32.
[0022]
When the X-ray film F is mounted on the film holder 30, the X-ray film F can be rotated vertically or horizontally as shown in FIGS. 3 (c) and 3 (d), depending on the diseased part to be photographed. The direction of the X-ray film F can be adjusted. In addition, although the figure has shown the state which rotated the X-ray film F vertically and horizontally, it is also possible to image | photograph in the state rotated diagonally.
[0023]
In order to attach the auxiliary tool 1 of the present invention to the X-ray generator 4, as shown in FIG. 4, the fixing knob 13 of the adapter 10 is loosened and the adapter body 11 is attached to the X-ray irradiation unit (X-ray irradiation tube) 40. Inserting is performed by tightening the fixing knob 13.
[0024]
In this embodiment, since the opening 11a of the adapter body 11 is circular, the adapter 10 can be attached to the X-ray irradiation unit 40 at an arbitrary angle. In other words, the auxiliary tool 1 can be mounted on the X-ray generator 4 so that the support arm 20 is positioned below or above, or the support arm 20 can be mounted in the lateral direction. As a result, the auxiliary tool 1 can be rotated and attached to an arbitrary angle according to the imaging region while the X-ray generator 4 is kept in a normal holding state, and the operation of the X-ray generator 4 is facilitated. Is possible.
[0025]
Next, an example of a procedure for performing intraoral X-ray imaging using the auxiliary tool 1 of the present invention will be described.
When photographing, first, the patient wears protective clothing, and the photographer wears protective clothing and protective gloves. Then, the X-ray film F is mounted on the film holder 30 by the procedure shown in FIG.
[0026]
Next, the auxiliary tool 1 is attached to the X-ray generator 4 by the procedure shown in FIG. In this case, for example, when photographing maxillary molars and maxillary anterior teeth, the auxiliary tool 1 is mounted on the X-ray irradiation unit 40 so that the support arm 20 is positioned downward while the X-ray generator 4 is normally held. . Conversely, when photographing the lower molar and the lower anterior teeth, the auxiliary tool 1 is mounted on the X-ray irradiation unit 40 so that the support arm 20 is positioned upward while the X-ray generator 4 is normally held.
[0027]
Then, according to the diseased part to be photographed and the jaw shape, the film holder 30 is rotated to set the X-ray film F vertically or horizontally and the length of the support arm 20 is adjusted by operating the fixing knob 12. The distance between the X-ray irradiation unit 40 and the X-ray film F is adjusted.
[0028]
Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the radiographer inserts the film holder 30 on which the X-ray film F is mounted while supporting the X-ray generator 4 into the patient's mouth to position the diseased site. After the film holder 30 is inserted into the oral cavity, the support arm 20 is lightly engaged with the patient's teeth.
Thereafter, the photographer positions and holds the X-ray generator 4 in the optimum direction with respect to the dental disease site to be photographed, and performs photographing.
[0029]
FIG. 5 shows an example of performing intraoral radiography of the upper molar. When the assisting tool 1 is inserted into the patient's oral cavity as shown in the figure, the tip of the support arm 20 abuts on the maxillary molar 51 or the mandibular molar 52 as shown in FIG. The film F is held in a state of being inward of the maxillary molar 51 and in contact with the gum 50. Further, since the bending portion 21 provided on the support arm 20 is positioned so as to dodge the patient's lips, the support arm 20 can be easily inserted and positioned, and the uncomfortable feeling associated with the insertion is reduced.
[0030]
Moreover, in the auxiliary tool 1 of a present Example, the irradiation central-axis direction of the X-rays irradiated and the extending direction of the support arm 20 are the same as mentioned above. Therefore, the X-ray irradiation unit 40 of the X-ray generator 4 can be accurately directed to the dental disease site using the extending direction of the support arm 20 as a guideline, and the holding state of the X-ray generator 4 can be changed. However, the positional relationship between the X-ray irradiation center axis and the X-ray film F does not shift. Thereby, a photography mistake can be reduced and the reproducibility of photography improves.
[0031]
FIG. 7 shows an example of performing intraoral X-ray imaging of the mandibular anterior teeth using the auxiliary tool 1 of the present invention. In this example, the adapter unit 10 is attached to the X-ray irradiation unit 40 so that the support arm 20 is positioned upward, contrary to the case of photographing the maxillary molars and the maxillary anterior teeth. Thereby, it is possible to take an image without holding the X-ray generator 4 in the reverse direction, and the operability is improved.
[0032]
Also when photographing the lower jaw front teeth, as shown in FIG. 8, the tip of the support arm 20 contacts the upper jaw front teeth 54 or the lower jaw front teeth 55, and the X-ray film F mounted on the film holder 30 is inward of the lower jaw front teeth 55. And is held in contact with the gingiva 53. Further, since the bending portion 21 provided on the support arm 20 is positioned so as to dodge the patient's lips, the support arm 20 can be easily inserted and positioned, and there is little discomfort during insertion.
[0033]
The present inventors actually performed an X-ray imaging test using the auxiliary tool 1 of the above embodiment. The X-ray generator (X-ray generator 4 and controller) used for radiography is “KX-60” (tube voltage 60 kVp-p, tube current 10 mA) manufactured by Asahi X-ray Industrial Co., Ltd. Both are portable types weighing 3 kg. The X-ray film F used for imaging was “EKTASPEED PLUS” manufactured by Kodak Co., Ltd., and the X-ray irradiation time was set to 0.1 to 0.2 seconds. Taken home and developed with automatic processor. Further, in X-ray photography, the patient was allowed to wear a protective clothing having a lead equivalent of 0.13 mm, and the photographer was wearing protective clothing and protective gloves having a lead equivalent of 0.25 mm.
[0034]
The present inventors described the above-mentioned equipment for 13 bedridden elderly patients undergoing home-visit treatment (3 men, 10 women, average age 77 years) diagnosed as having X-ray imaging accompanying dental disease. In addition, intraoral X-ray imaging was performed based on the above imaging conditions. The average number of shots per patient was seven.
As a result of the test photography, the diseased site required for diagnosis could be clearly photographed, and good results were obtained. Some of the images were blurred due to patient movement at the time of radiographing, but even in that case, the diagnosis was not hindered.
In addition, although the number of images taken per patient was an average of 7 images, by using the assisting tool 1 of the present invention, it was possible to photograph all patients in a short time without requiring an assistant. .
[0035]
Thus, by using the auxiliary tool 1 of the present invention, the patient himself / herself does not need to hold the X-ray film, and the radiographer accurately irradiates the dental disease site while holding the X-ray generator 4. As a result, shooting can be performed efficiently, shooting errors can be reduced, and reproducibility of shooting is improved. In particular, even when the patient cannot open his / her mouth, the photographer can assist the photographer to open his / her mouth and insert the film holder 30 into the oral cavity for easy photographing.
In addition, regardless of the dental disease site to be photographed, all parts of the upper jaw and lower jaw can be photographed using the auxiliary tool 1 of the present invention, and portability and operability can be improved.
[0036]
5 and 7 show the imaging state of the patient in the sitting posture, but it is possible to perform imaging similarly in the supine posture.
Further, the above-described procedure for intraoral X-ray imaging is an example, and does not limit the order of imaging processes.
Further, the X-ray generator 4 described above is shown as having a cylindrical X-ray irradiation unit 40. However, the X-ray generator having a cone-shaped (cone-shaped) X-ray irradiation unit is also similarly supported. It is possible to shoot with the tool 1 attached.
[0037]
Further, the fixing mechanism 16 of the auxiliary tool 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in the above-described embodiment, and different configurations having the same function can be adopted.
Moreover, although the auxiliary | assistant tool 1 shown in the said Example employ | adopted the structure which employ | adopts the elongate support arm 20 with a square cross section and prevents rotation with respect to the adapter main body 11, this invention is such a structure. It is not limited. For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which an elongated support arm having a circular cross section is employed and a film holder including the support arm is rotated and positioned and fixed with respect to the adapter main body 11 during photographing.
[0038]
Moreover, although the said Example demonstrated as what produces the auxiliary tool 1 which varied the width | variety of the groove | channel of the film holding part 32 according to the thickness of the X-ray film F to mount | wear, this invention is such a structure. It is not limited to. For example, it is possible to employ a configuration in which a spring material is provided inside the groove of the film holding portion 32 so that X-ray films having different thicknesses can be mounted.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
In the present invention, the film holder employs a configuration in which the X-ray film mounting surface of the film holder is attached to the distal end portion (supporting portion 22) of the support arm so as to be rotatable within a plane including the mounting surface. A rectangular X-ray film can be attached to the film holder, and the X-ray film (film holder 30) can be rotated vertically or horizontally in accordance with the dental disease site or jaw shape to be imaged. Thereby, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of auxiliary tools for mounting the X-ray film in a portrait or landscape orientation, the versatility can be improved, and the uncomfortable feeling associated with the insertion into the oral cavity can be reduced.
[0040]
In addition , since the bending portion is provided in the vicinity of the film holder so as to protrude in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the film holder, the lip is pressed by the support arm when the auxiliary tool is inserted into the oral cavity. The feeling of discomfort associated with the insertion can be reduced, and the film holder can be easily inserted and positioned.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an auxiliary tool for intraoral X-ray imaging according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A is a front view of the auxiliary tool shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a side view thereof.
FIGS. 3A to 3D are perspective views showing a rotation state of a film holder and a state in which an X-ray film is attached to a fill holder.
4 is a perspective view showing a state where the auxiliary tool shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on an X-ray generator. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which X-ray imaging of the upper molar is performed by the intraoral method using the auxiliary tool shown in FIG.
6 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between a dental disease site and an auxiliary tool in the X-ray imaging state shown in FIG.
7 is a perspective view showing a state where X-ray imaging of the lower anterior teeth is performed by the intraoral method using the auxiliary tool shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
8 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between a dental disease site and an auxiliary tool in the X-ray imaging state shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Intraoral X-ray imaging aid 4 X-ray generator 10 Adapter part 16 Fixing mechanism 20 Support arm 21 Bending part 22 Support part 30 Film holder 31 Film mounting plate 40 X-ray irradiation part F X-ray film

Claims (1)

An adapter part that is detachably attached to the X-ray irradiation part of the X-ray generator, a support arm that extends from the adapter part in the X-ray irradiation direction, and an X-ray provided at the tip of the support arm In an intraoral X-ray imaging auxiliary tool comprising a film holder that detachably holds an X-ray film so as to receive X-rays emitted from a generator,
The film holder is attached to the tip of the support arm so as to be rotatable within a plane including the X-ray film mounting surface, and in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the film holder in the vicinity of the support arm on the film holder side. An auxiliary tool for intraoral X-ray photography, characterized in that a curved portion is provided so as to be convex .

Images