Simplified method of hand and wrist evaluation using occlusal radiograph film

Vol. 1 – Number 2 – 2008 Pages 166-172 Simplified method of hand and wrist evaluation using occlusal radiograph film Henrique Oliveira Feitosa, Graduated in Dentistry from the Federal University of Sergipe. Gustavo Mattos Barreto, Specialist in Radiology from Unicamp, Master and Doctor in Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics from Unesp Araraquara. Maria de Fátima Batista de Melo, Master in Dentistry (Integrated Clinic) from USP and Doctor in Dentistry (Oral Diagnosis) from USP. Luana Menezes de Mendonça, Graduated in Dentistry from the Federal University of Sergipe. Adalúcia Conceição Correia, Student of the Specialization Course in Orthodontics at the Brazilian Association of Dental Surgeons of Sergipe. In orthodontics the assessment of the maturation level of an individual is one of the main steps towards planning. Identifying the period when puberal growth peak occurs will enable the orthodontist to obtain better results in the skeleton correction treatment. This project aims at simplifying the diagnosis resources by creating a simplified method to evaluate bone maturity through bone indicators observed in hand and wrist occlusal radiographic films. Hand and wrist occlusal X-rays of 60 children who were under treatment at Sergipe’s Federal University Odontopediatrics Department were used in the study. All X-rays were analyzed through the Martins and Sakima method. Based on the data collected, the proposed method made it possible to obtain X-rays with good technical standards as well as a good view of 14 ossification spots in hands and wrists. Although the conventional method was not replaced, we could conclude that the radiographic exams of hands and wrists on occlusal film are an efficient method to obtain radiographic images. Because it is simplified and easily reproducible, it can be carried out by surgeon-dentists and orthodontists when establishing an appropriate treatment during the patient’s growing phase. Keywords: Bone maturity in Dentistry, Image Diagnosis, Hand bones.