Seiler Roger, Eppenberger Patrick, Rühli Frank
Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Imaging Sci Dent. 2018 Sep;48(3):167-176. doi: 10.5624/isd.2018.48.3.167. Epub 2018 Sep 18.
In the age of X-ray computed tomography (CT) and digital volume tomography (DVT), with their outstanding post-processing capabilities, indications for planar radiography for the study of the dentition of ancient Egyptian mummies may easily be overlooked. In this article, the advantages and limitations of different approaches and projections are discussed for planar oral and maxillofacial radiography using portable digital X-ray equipment during archaeological excavations. Furthermore, recommendations are provided regarding projections and sample positioning in this context.
A total of 55 specimens, including 19 skeletonized mandibles, 14 skeletonized skulls, 18 separate mummified heads, and 4 partially preserved mummies were imaged using portable digital X-ray equipment in the course of archaeological excavations led by the University of Basel in the Valley of the Kings between 2009 and 2012. Images were evaluated by 2 authors with regard to the visibility of diagnostically relevant dental structures using a 4-point grading system (Likert scale).
Overall, the visibility of diagnostically relevant dental structures was rated highest by both authors on X-ray images acquired using a dental detector. The tube-shift technique in the lateral projections of mandibular dentition achieved the second-best rating, and lateral projections achieved the third-best rating.
Conventional planar digital X-ray imaging, due to its ubiquity, remains an excellent method-and often the only practicable one-for examining the skulls and teeth of ancient Egyptian mummies under field conditions. Radiographic images of excellent diagnostic quality can be obtained, if an appropriate methodology regarding the selected projections and sample placement is followed.
在X射线计算机断层扫描（CT）和数字容积断层扫描（DVT）时代，凭借其出色的后处理能力，用于研究古埃及木乃伊牙列的平面放射摄影的适应症可能很容易被忽视。本文讨论了在考古发掘期间使用便携式数字X射线设备进行口腔颌面平面放射摄影时不同方法和投影的优缺点。此外，还提供了关于在此背景下投影和样本定位的建议。
在2009年至2012年期间由巴塞尔大学在帝王谷进行的考古发掘过程中，使用便携式数字X射线设备对总共55个标本进行了成像，包括19个骨骼化下颌骨、14个骨骼化头骨、18个单独的木乃伊化头部和4个部分保存的木乃伊。由2位作者使用4分制评分系统（李克特量表）对图像中与诊断相关的牙齿结构的可见性进行评估。
总体而言，两位作者对使用牙科探测器获取的X射线图像上与诊断相关的牙齿结构的可见性评价最高。下颌牙列侧位投影中的管移位技术获得了第二好的评分，而侧位投影获得了第三好的评分。
传统的平面数字X射线成像因其普遍性，仍然是在野外条件下检查古埃及木乃伊头骨和牙齿的一种优秀方法，而且往往是唯一可行的方法。如果遵循关于所选投影和样本放置的适当方法，就可以获得具有出色诊断质量的放射图像。
