WO1999039638A1 - Method for x-ray photography of the head and neck area - Google Patents

Method for x-ray photography of the head and neck area Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999039638A1
WO1999039638A1 PCT/FI1999/000046 FI9900046W WO9939638A1 WO 1999039638 A1 WO1999039638 A1 WO 1999039638A1 FI 9900046 W FI9900046 W FI 9900046W WO 9939638 A1 WO9939638 A1 WO 9939638A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ray
sensor
ray source
patient
imaged
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FI1999/000046
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jyrki OJANPERÄ
Douglas Woods
Original Assignee
Instrumentarium Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Instrumentarium Corporation filed Critical Instrumentarium Corporation
Priority to JP2000530145A priority Critical patent/JP2002501807A/en
Priority to DE19982565T priority patent/DE19982565T1/en
Publication of WO1999039638A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999039638A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/50—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications
    • A61B6/51—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications for dentistry
    • A61B6/512—Intraoral means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
    • A61B6/50—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications
    • A61B6/51—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications for dentistry

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for X-ray imaging the head and neck area.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for imaging the head and neck area, especially as necessitated by the production of three-dimensional X-ray images.
  • a method of the invention is characterized by what is set forth in the characterizing clause of claim 1.
  • Fig. 1 shows schematically a conventional panoramic X-ray apparatus in a frontal view, fitted with an immobile sensor
  • Fig. 2 shows the apparatus of fig. 1 in a plan view
  • Fig.3 shows schematically one possible operating range for an X- ray source.
  • the method of the invention can be implemented by using, for example, a panoramic X-ray apparatus 1 shown in figs. 1 and 2, comprising a carrier arm 8, mounted on an upright column 2 and having its forward end provided with a motorized rotator 7.
  • the rotator is capable of rotating around a vertical axis 6.
  • the rotator 7 is provided with an element 4, housing a film cassette or some other sensor or detector, for receiving X-radiation in conventional panoramic imaging, as well as with a branch element 3 placed opposite to the element 4 and housing an X-ray source.
  • An immobile sensor 5, employed in the method of the invention is positioned in the radiation field of an X-ray source, e.g. on the axis of rotation 6 of the rotator 7 above a patient support.
  • the apparatus of the invention can also be designed by using a panoramic X-ray apparatus different from figs. 1 and 2, wherein the motorized rotator 7 housing an X-ray source is mounted on the carrier arm in such a way that the rotator is capable of rotating around any given axis extending in horizontal plane.
  • the method involves placing a patient in the apparatus, for example in such a way that, as viewed from the direction of an X-ray source, the sensor 5 is positioned in the patient's mouth behind an object, e.g. a tooth, to be imaged and the X-ray source is maneuvered for exposing the sensor from various directions.
  • the method involves bringing the X-ray source to a standstill for the duration of an exposure effected in each desired direction. After the exposure is completed, the sensor transmits the received image information forward, e.g. to a microprocessor, for further processing and is then ready for another exposure from another direction.
  • the method is principally implemented in such a way that the stops and exposures from various directions occur automatically in accordance with a predetermined protocol.
  • the rotational angle of an X-ray source around its axis of articulation 6, depicted in fig. 1 , for imaging an object can be selected experimentally, and it is preferably about 10-40 degrees, but the angle can also be smaller or larger than this.
  • a panoramic X-ray apparatus different from fig. 1 wherein a rotator, housing an X-ray source, is suspended in such a way that the rotator is capable of rotating around a given axis extending in horizontal plane
  • the rotational angle of the X-ray source around its axis of articulation for imaging an object can be selected experimentally and it is preferably about 10-40 degrees, but the angle can also be smaller or larger than this.
  • the X-ray source may travel for instance along the surface of a spherical cap 9 or along a segment thereof, the corresponding cone having a spread angle 10 which can be selected experimentally and is preferably about 10-20 degrees, but the angle can also be smaller or larger than this.
  • the number of radiating directions within said angular range can be selected experimentally and it can be e.g. 5-7, but also more or less.
  • Another way of carrying out the method of the invention is to place the sensor 5 outside the mouth of a patient in line with an object, e.g. a tooth or maxillary joint, to be imaged, and to maneuver an X-ray source in such a manner that the X-ray source exposes the sensor from various directions from the side a patient's head opposite to the sensor 5.
  • an object e.g. a tooth or maxillary joint
  • the exposures produced by means of the method can be used for producing a three-dimensional X-ray image, as described e.g. in US patents 5668844 and US 5359637.
  • Imaging values (voltage kV, current mA and time s) used in the method can be selected manually or may be chosen by the apparatus automatically.
  • the X-ray source may travel conventionally along a circular arc or it can be maneuvered along a linear path by means of certain equipment.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for X-ray imaging the head and neck area. The method of the invention involves the use of a panoramic X-ray apparatus (1) for the exposure of a sensor (5). The sensor (5) is positioned in the radiation field of an X-ray source included in the panoramic X-ray apparatus. In the method, a patient is positioned in the apparatus in such a way that the sensor (5) is placed in the mouth of the patient or outside the mouth of the patient in line with an object to be imaged and, as viewed from the X-ray source, behind an object to be imaged at a given time. The X-ray source of the apparatus is maneuvered for exposing the sensor (5) from various directions, the X-ray source being brought to a standstill for the duration of an exposure effected in each desired direction.

Description

Method for X-ray photography of the head and neck area
The present invention relates to a method for X-ray imaging the head and neck area.
Traditionally, the exposure of dental films and subsequent digital image sensors (radiation sensitive semi-conductor sensor, e.g. a CCD-sensor or some other sensor system producing digital image information) for imaging the head and neck area has been carried out by means of an intraoral X-ray apparatus. In order to produce three-dimensional X-ray images, as described e.g. in US patents 5668844 and US 5359637, the sensor must be exposed from various directions. The intraoral X-ray equipment does not enable the automation of exposure effected from various directions, and it is highly demanding to obtain reliable results in manual operation.
Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for imaging the head and neck area, especially as necessitated by the production of three-dimensional X-ray images. In order to achieve this object, a method of the invention is characterized by what is set forth in the characterizing clause of claim 1.
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows schematically a conventional panoramic X-ray apparatus in a frontal view, fitted with an immobile sensor,
Fig. 2 shows the apparatus of fig. 1 in a plan view, and
Fig.3 shows schematically one possible operating range for an X- ray source. The method of the invention can be implemented by using, for example, a panoramic X-ray apparatus 1 shown in figs. 1 and 2, comprising a carrier arm 8, mounted on an upright column 2 and having its forward end provided with a motorized rotator 7. The rotator is capable of rotating around a vertical axis 6. The rotator 7 is provided with an element 4, housing a film cassette or some other sensor or detector, for receiving X-radiation in conventional panoramic imaging, as well as with a branch element 3 placed opposite to the element 4 and housing an X-ray source. An immobile sensor 5, employed in the method of the invention, is positioned in the radiation field of an X-ray source, e.g. on the axis of rotation 6 of the rotator 7 above a patient support.
The apparatus of the invention can also be designed by using a panoramic X-ray apparatus different from figs. 1 and 2, wherein the motorized rotator 7 housing an X-ray source is mounted on the carrier arm in such a way that the rotator is capable of rotating around any given axis extending in horizontal plane.
The method involves placing a patient in the apparatus, for example in such a way that, as viewed from the direction of an X-ray source, the sensor 5 is positioned in the patient's mouth behind an object, e.g. a tooth, to be imaged and the X-ray source is maneuvered for exposing the sensor from various directions. The method involves bringing the X-ray source to a standstill for the duration of an exposure effected in each desired direction. After the exposure is completed, the sensor transmits the received image information forward, e.g. to a microprocessor, for further processing and is then ready for another exposure from another direction. The method is principally implemented in such a way that the stops and exposures from various directions occur automatically in accordance with a predetermined protocol. The rotational angle of an X-ray source around its axis of articulation 6, depicted in fig. 1 , for imaging an object can be selected experimentally, and it is preferably about 10-40 degrees, but the angle can also be smaller or larger than this. When using a panoramic X-ray apparatus different from fig. 1 , wherein a rotator, housing an X-ray source, is suspended in such a way that the rotator is capable of rotating around a given axis extending in horizontal plane, the rotational angle of the X-ray source around its axis of articulation for imaging an object can be selected experimentally and it is preferably about 10-40 degrees, but the angle can also be smaller or larger than this. When using a panoramic X-ray apparatus different from fig. 1 , wherein a rotator, housing an X-ray source, is suspended in such a way that the rotator is capable of rotating around any axis extending in horizontal plane, the X-ray source may travel for instance along the surface of a spherical cap 9 or along a segment thereof, the corresponding cone having a spread angle 10 which can be selected experimentally and is preferably about 10-20 degrees, but the angle can also be smaller or larger than this. The number of radiating directions within said angular range can be selected experimentally and it can be e.g. 5-7, but also more or less.
Another way of carrying out the method of the invention is to place the sensor 5 outside the mouth of a patient in line with an object, e.g. a tooth or maxillary joint, to be imaged, and to maneuver an X-ray source in such a manner that the X-ray source exposes the sensor from various directions from the side a patient's head opposite to the sensor 5.
The exposures produced by means of the method can be used for producing a three-dimensional X-ray image, as described e.g. in US patents 5668844 and US 5359637.
Imaging values (voltage kV, current mA and time s) used in the method can be selected manually or may be chosen by the apparatus automatically.
The X-ray source may travel conventionally along a circular arc or it can be maneuvered along a linear path by means of certain equipment.

Claims

Claims
1. A method for X-ray imaging the head and neck area, characterized in that the method is carried out by using an immobile digital image sensor (5) and a panoramic X-ray apparatus (1 ) for exposing said sensor (5), which sensor (5) is positioned in the radiation field of an X-ray source included in the panoramic X-ray apparatus; that, in the method, a patient is positioned in the apparatus in such a way that the sensor (5) is placed in the mouth of the patient or outside the mouth of the patient in line with an object to be imaged and, as viewed from the X-ray source, behind an object to be imaged at a given time; that the X-ray source of the apparatus (1 ) is maneuvered for exposing the sensor (5) from various directions; and that the X-ray source is brought to a standstill for the duration of an exposure effected in each desired direction.
2. A method as set forth in claim 1 , characterized in that the stops and exposures from various directions occur automatically.
3. A method as set forth in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the exposures effected from various directions are used for producing a three-dimensional
X-ray image of an object to be imaged.
4. A method as set forth in claim 1 , 2 or 3, characterized in that imaging values (kV, mA and s) are selected manually.
5. A method as set forth in claim 1 , 2 or 3, characterized in that imaging values (kV, mA and s) are selected by the apparatus automatically.
PCT/FI1999/000046 1998-01-23 1999-01-25 Method for x-ray photography of the head and neck area WO1999039638A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2000530145A JP2002501807A (en) 1998-01-23 1999-01-25 X-ray imaging method for head and neck region
DE19982565T DE19982565T1 (en) 1998-01-23 1999-01-25 Radiography of the head and neck area

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI980146 1998-01-23
FI980146A FI118588B (en) 1998-01-23 1998-01-23 Method for X-ray of head and neck area

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999039638A1 true WO1999039638A1 (en) 1999-08-12

Family

ID=8550514

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FI1999/000046 WO1999039638A1 (en) 1998-01-23 1999-01-25 Method for x-ray photography of the head and neck area

Country Status (4)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2002501807A (en)
DE (1) DE19982565T1 (en)
FI (1) FI118588B (en)
WO (1) WO1999039638A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR101299456B1 (en) * 2012-01-03 2013-08-29 서울대학교산학협력단 The edentulous or unilateral edentulous panoramic bites

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE351561B (en) * 1971-06-21 1972-12-04 Dental Corp Of America
US5572566A (en) * 1993-11-30 1996-11-05 J. Morita Manufacturing Corporation X-ray imaging apparatus and X-ray generation detector for activating the same
US5668844A (en) * 1992-04-28 1997-09-16 Webber; Richard L. Self-calibrated tomosynthetic, radiographic-imaging system, method, and device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE351561B (en) * 1971-06-21 1972-12-04 Dental Corp Of America
US5668844A (en) * 1992-04-28 1997-09-16 Webber; Richard L. Self-calibrated tomosynthetic, radiographic-imaging system, method, and device
US5572566A (en) * 1993-11-30 1996-11-05 J. Morita Manufacturing Corporation X-ray imaging apparatus and X-ray generation detector for activating the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2002501807A (en) 2002-01-22
FI980146A0 (en) 1998-01-23
FI118588B (en) 2008-01-15
FI980146A (en) 1999-07-24
DE19982565T1 (en) 2001-04-26

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