Comparison of the asymmetry index determined on digital panoramic radiographic images and on posteroanterior cephalometric images: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the asymmetry index determined on digital panoramic radiographic (PR) images and posteroanterior cephalometric (PACR) images.

METHODS

This study included 100 patients whose PR and PACR images were registered in a database. Condylar height, ramus height, and condylar height plus ramus height measurements were measured bilaterally. Condylar asymmetry, ramus asymmetry, and total asymmetry were evaluated.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference between the right and left side for all measurements when evaluated on the PR and also on the PACR images (p < 0.01). When calculating the asymmetry index, the resulting condylar asymmetry and ramus asymmetry values did not show significant differences between PR and PACR images. On the other hand, only the presence of total asymmetry showed a statistically significant difference between techniques (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Asymmetry indices can be reliably obtained from both PR and PACR images.