Storage-phosphor computed radiography versus film radiography in the detection of pathologic periradicular bone loss in cadavers.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare D-speed film, E-speed film, and the Soredex Digora system with respect to the detection of periradicular pathosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Radiographic images of 100 cadaver jaws were made with E-speed film, D-speed film, and the Soredex Digora. Each set of 100 images was interpreted by four observers, with 30 days separating each of three viewing sessions from the next. The presence or absence of pathologic (inflammatory) periradicular bone resorption was determined by histologic examination of the samples. The observer performance was compared with the true histologic findings and evaluated with receiver operating characteristic and corrected receiver operating characteristic analysis.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found in diagnostic performance among the three radiographic techniques. In addition, no imaging technique was a good indicator of pathosis as determined by histologic analysis.

CONCLUSION

Under the conditions of this study, it was determined that D-speed film, E-speed film, and the Soredex Digora were equivalent diagnostic imaging modalities with regard to the detection of pathologic periradicular bone resorption. No technique predictably indicated inflammatory resorption.