RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this investigation was to obtain further information about the anatomic structures involved in the formation of the upper image of the hard palate/nasal fossa floor (HP/NFF). STUDY DESIGN: Three dry human skulls underwent ostectomies along the HP midline (ie, the area of the junction of the nasal septum with the nasal fossa floor) and along posterior portions of the HP/NFF (ie, the horizontal plates of the palatine bones and part of the palatine processes of the maxillae). The radiographs were digitized and preostectomy and postostectomy optical densities were measured. Preostectomy and postostectomy optical densities were also measured. RESULTS: Partial disappearance of the upper image occurred after ostectomy of the junction of the nasal septum with the NFF. Total disappearance occurred only after bilateral ostectomy of the posterior portions of the HP/NFF. The mean increases in regional optical density in terms of pixel gray level after the ostectomies were 70.44%, 72.27%, and 51.40%. CONCLUSIONS: The junction of the nasal septum with the NFF and the posterior portions of the HP/NFF form the upper image of the HP/NFF. Most of the image is real, although a small part is a ghost image of the horizontal plates of the palatine bones and of the posterior region of the palatine processes of the maxillae.
Asunto(s)
Artefactos , Cavidad Nasal/diagnóstico por imagen , Paladar Duro/diagnóstico por imagen , Radiografía Panorámica , HumanosRESUMEN
The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision and sensitivity of four different pain rating scales in 59 temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients. The capacity of describing changes in symptoms during treatment was also addressed. All patients were asked to answer four pain scales: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Numerical Scale (NS), Behaviour Rating Scale (BRS) and Verbal Scale (VS). Two measurements were taken before any treatment. After beginning it, follow-ups and repeated measurements were taken 1 week, 15 days, and every month for 6 months. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (P < 0.05) for all scales, but the NS (P > 0.05), when the two initial measurements were analysed. Regarding the sensitivity, all pain scales demonstrated general symptom improvement of 30-50%, when initial and final figures were compared (P < 0.01). Also, the most significant improvement occurred in the first 2 months after beginning the management programme. Authors concluded that the NS was more accurate to measure reproducibility of pain. As for the capacity of expressing changes during the treatment, all scales demonstrated symptom decrease of 30-50% in a period of 6 months. Caution when analysing the results is recommended because of the subjective aspect of pain measurement, the absence of a 'gold standard' for comparison and the natural fluctuation of TMD symptoms.