Evaluation of anatomical variations of head and neck region and its significance with the aid of cone beam computed tomography– a retrospective study

Background:Cone Beam Computed Tomography can indubitably visualize three dimensional images of anatomical structures with high resolution and lower radiation dose.Multi-planar imaging with cone beam computed tomography is very easy to re-create and also to increase the diagnostic efficiency.The current study aims atevaluation of anatomical variations of head and neck region and its significance with the aid of cone beam computed tomography. Materials and Methods: A Retrospective study carried out using 100 Cone Beam Computed Tomography images of Full skull taken from the achieves with the age ranging from 18-60 years were analysed to assess the anatomical variations of head and neck region. Results: Total of 697 anatomical variations were observed in 100 patients. Most common anatomical variations were noted as Nasal septum deviation(98%), Naso palatine canal variations(96%),Agger nasi cells(93%),sphenoid septa (43%), Kuhn cells (41%),Conchae bullosa(39%), convex condyle(35%),Sphenoid pneumatisation (32%), Maxillary sinus septa(29%), etc findings were noted respectively. Conclusion: CBCT images constitute a valuable tool for diagnosis in the head and neck region and thus, the dentists should make an appropriate use of the advanced diagnostics imaging to interpret the image and must report with their clinical significance.