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Objectives: To estimate the relative diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of oral clinical examination, full-mouth dental radiography, and cone-beam CT for the detection of tooth resorption in cats, and to estimate the prevalence of tooth resorption in unowned, unsocialised cats in Denmark., Materials and Methods: Cadavers of 144 adult cats underwent an oral examination, full-mouth dental radiography, and cone-beam CT. Sensitivity and specificity of the three tests, along with the true prevalence, overall and stratified by sex and tooth location, were estimated using latent class methods., Results: We found cone-beam CT to be the superior image modality, with a sensitivity of 99.5% and a specificity of 99.8%. Dental radiography had a sensitivity of 78.9% and a specificity of 100%, and oral clinical examination had a sensitivity of only 36.0% and specificity of 99.9%. We estimated the prevalence of tooth resorption among unowned unsocialised cats in Denmark to be 40% of adult individuals, and 6.1% of teeth., Clinical Significance: When dealing with tooth resorption, cone-beam CT can help the operator to find and treat affected teeth that could otherwise go undiagnosed. The prevalence of tooth resorption among unowned, unsocialised cats in Denmark does not appear to differ from other populations of cats., (© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Small Animal Practice published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Small Animal Veterinary Association.)

The aims of this study were to develop a new classification for pre-eruptive intracoronal resorption(PIR) with different resorption areas and sizes and to compare the new classification scores among observers from different specialities and professional experience. The PIR was evaluated according to the new classification by two dentomaxillofacial radiologists and two endodontists. Information regarding the patient's age, gender, systemic diseases, the number of PIR, the affected tooth area and the size of the PIR was recorded. The new classification system showed that PIR six and seven defects were the most detected. Regarding jaw regions, the highest reliability was seen in the maxillary central teeth between observers I and IV, and maxillary premolar-molar teeth between observers II and III. This study revealed that PIR can be found in both root and crown dentine. Professional experience and specialty and awareness of the PIR defect may affect the diagnosis., (© 2022 Australian Society of Endodontology Inc.)

Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) is a recently described painful and progressive condition of unknown etiology that occurs in middle-aged and geriatric equines. It predominantly affects the permanent incisor and canine teeth and, less commonly, the premolar and molar dentition. EOTRH was first reported in peer-reviewed literature in 2008, with subsequent publications of case reports, histological studies and retrospective case series. There have been few significant research developments related to this disease. The existing studies have primarily involved single case studies or small sample sizes, without control groups. This review aimed to report current information about EOTRH in terms of clinical, histopathological, diagnostic, radiological, and therapeutic aspects, by searching the available peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Hypercementosis is infrequently reported to affect the cheek teeth of horses and presents as mineral deposits either attached (peripheral) or solitary ovoid (nodular) structures in the tooth bearing region. There is overlap between radiological and histological appearance of hypercementosis, cementoma, and equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH). The clinical presentation, imaging features, surgical management, and histological findings of nine horses that presented for dental lesions and associated hypercementosis of cheek teeth are reported. Horses were 4-15 years old and presented for either nasal discharge or facial swelling. Peripheral and nodular mineral structures were identified using radiographs or computed tomography in six and three horses, respectively. Eight of nine cases involved maxillary cheek teeth. Of six cases with peripheral hypercementosis, three had enlargement of the apical cross-sectional area that was greater than the coronal cross-sectional area thus preventing extraction along the normal eruption pathway and necessitating sectioning (two cases) and repulsion. Nodular hypercementosis lesions were extracted in three of the four cases. Post-extraction complications occurred in five cases; four cases required additional procedures. All horses returned to their intended use, ie riding or pasture. Histology of extracted dental and proliferative mineral material revealed hypercementosis characterized by large sheets of eosinophilic matrix with lacunae (usually empty; presumed artifact) and frequent, irregular, basophilic cement lines. All cases had evidence of chronic inflammation, such as caries, chronic fractures and/or pulpitis. The findings of this case series share many features with previous published descriptions of cementoma and with histological findings of hypercementosis lesions of EOTRH. Further investigation into differentiation of these entities is warranted.

Dental pathology is among the most ubiquitous diseases in cats of all ages. Dental pain is yet to be fully understood in cats and therefore its presence is often missed. To better understand feline dental disease as a pain trigger during routine examination and whether disease severity correlates to the degree of pain, a 6-month prospective study in a cats' only veterinary hospital in Portugal was conducted. Sixty-four cats that randomly presented for different clinical procedures were evaluated. Dental and periodontal abnormalities (primary dental parameters, PDP), as well as clinical signs related to dental pain (secondary dental parameters, SDP), were assessed. All cats underwent an oral cavity examination, upon which, the Feline Acute Pain Scale from Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (CPS), was used in order to assess pain. Six PDP (periodontal disease, gingival index, calculus index, tooth resorption, tooth fracture and missing teeth) and five SDP (mouth discomfort, halitosis, hypersalivation, difficulty in holding food and several attempts at prehension of food), were compared with CPS pain scores. All SDP were significantly associated to higher CPS pain scores (p < 0.05). The number of missing teeth was significantly associated to higher CPS pain scores (p < 0.0001). A trend was observed between higher CPS pain scores and tooth resorption (p = 0.08). This study concluded that cats with dental disease feel pain during clinical examination and the pain increases as the severity of the disease progresses.

External cervical resorption is caused, almost exclusively, by dental trauma - especially those characterized by concussion - and is a dental disease to be diagnosed and treated accurately by endodontists. However, the vast majority of the cases is initially diagnosed by an orthodontist, due to the imaging possibilities in standardized documentations. Among the causes of external cervical resorption, it is common to mistakenly attribute it to orthodontic treatment, traumatic occlusion or even to chronic inflammatory periodontal disease. External cervical resorption is associated to dental trauma in several situations mentioned in this paper. In old cases, and eventually still nowadays, it may have been induced by internal tooth bleaching, which is increasingly less frequent in endodontically treated teeth. There are some tips to be followed and some care that must be taken during the diagnosis and treatment of external cervical resorption clinical cases. The present study lists foundations that will allow the professional to perform safely and accurately in each specific case. Some of these tips and care measures are of orthodontic nature.

Aim: To introduce a multimodular combination of techniques as a novel minimal invasive approach to investigate efficiently and accurately external cervical resorption (ECR)., Methodology: One case of a central incisor with extensive external cervical resorption was selected to demonstrate the potential of a comparative novel study methodology. ECR diagnosis was based on clinical inspection, digital radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). After extraction, the tooth was investigated using microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT), nano-CT and hard tissue histology. These techniques were compared for their accuracy and applicability to highlight their advantages and disadvantages., Results: Nano-CT was more effective than micro-CT and CBCT for detailed ex vivo exploration of ECR. The reparative tissue, pericanalar resorption resistant sheet (PRRS), pulp tissue reactions, resorption channels and their interconnection with the periodontal ligament space were accurately visualized by detailed processing and analysis of the nano-CT data set with Dataviewer and CTAn software. Nano-CT analysis provided better insight in the true extent of the resorption, based on quantitative measurements and 3D visualization of the tooth structure. Nano-CT imaging results were similar to hard tissue histology at the mineralized tissue level. To clarify the dynamic phenomenon of reparative tissue formation and substitution of the resorbed tissues, nano-CT needed to be associated with hard tissue histology., Conclusion: Nano-CT is a fast and minimal invasive technique for the ex vivo analysis and understanding of ECR and is complementary with hard tissue histology. A combined approach of clinical and CBCT examination, with nano-CT and histological mapping measurements, can provide an ideal platform for future ECR imaging and exploration studies., (© 2015 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Pink spots in teeth were first described by Mummery in 1920, and were related to resorption. Resorption is a pathologic process that often eludes the clinician with its varied etiologic factors and diverse clinical presentations. Resorption can be generally classified as internal and external resorption. Internal resorption has been described as a rare occurrence as compared to external resorption., Case Report: This article describes a pink spot that was diagnosed as a progressing resorption process. Early diagnosis enabled a successful management of the lesion., Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of an internal resorption, clinically seen as a pink spot, in a primary central incisor may prevent its fast progress and subsequent loss.

Intracoronal resorption of the permanent dentition in cases of amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a rare finding which poses an added complication to the already complex management of this condition. This paper presents three cases of AI associated with delayed eruption of permanent teeth in which asymptomatic intracoronal resorption occurred. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This paper highlights the fact that teeth affected with amelogenesis imperfecta may undergo asymptomatic intracoronal resorption which is only identifiable radiographically.

There are six distinct types of resorption of dental hard tissue that occur in association with unerupted and impacted permanent teeth. These pathologic entities differ markedly from one another in terms of their aetiology, their treatment and their prognosis. In several of them, the continued existence of the affected tooth may be in danger while in others, conservative treatment may halt the resorption process and provide for a successful outcome. The treatment approach is specific for each type and is entirely dependant on the diagnosis. This presentation will discuss prevalence, aetiology, presenting symptoms and clinical signs, radiographic features, histopathology, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in relation to each of the conditions., (© EDP Sciences, SFODF, 2015.)

Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) is a painful progressive condition of older horses that involves multiple teeth, including canines and incisors. EOTRH is uncommonly recognized by veterinary pathologists and in some cases may be misdiagnosed as cementoblastoma. The cause is unknown. The goals of this study were to describe the histopathologic features of EOTRH in 17 affected horses from the United States and to increase awareness of this condition. Samples ranged from affected tooth to the entire rostral mandible and maxilla. Affected teeth exhibited cemental hyperplasia and lysis. The marked proliferation of cementum in severe cases caused bulbous enlargement of the intra-alveolar portions of affected teeth. Several teeth contained necrotic debris, bacteria, and plant material in the regions of cemental lysis. All horses exhibited dentinal lysis in at least affected tooth, and several contained necrotic debris in these regions. Endodontic disease was often present with inflammation, lysis, necrotic debris, fibrosis, and/or a thin rim of atubular mineralized tissue in the pulp cavity. Periodontal disease was a common feature that was primarily characterized by moderate lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. Resorption with secondary hypercementosis appears to begin on the external surface of the teeth rather than within the pulp cavity. Distinguishing EOTRH from other diseases requires a complete history that includes the number and location of affected teeth, a gross description of regional hard/soft tissue health, and radiographic findings., (© The Author(s) 2015.)

Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a rare external dental resorption with unknown etiology; it progresses asymptomatically in the cervical area of the permanent teeth. Lesions are mostly misdiagnosed as internal resorption or caries, which leads to erroneous treatments. This case report presents the clinical and radiological diagnosis, as well as the results of treatment and 3-year follow-up in a 50-year-old female patient with gingival enlargement associated with ICR in tooth No. 25. Granulation tissue was removed by accessing the cervical resorption area through a flap operation. Following the endodontic treatment, the tooth was restored using composite resin and the hyperplastic lesion was excised. In conclusion, it should be kept in mind that clinical, radiological, and pathological evaluation in the differential diagnosis of localized hyperplastic lesions in the gingiva is of importance and that ICR could play a role in the etiology of these lesions.

For the last 70 years, the phenomenon of pre-eruptive intracoronal resorption (PIR) has been described in the literature, including a number of case reports illustrating the challenges clinicians face in diagnosing and managing these resorptive defects. Pre-eruptively affected teeth can be difficult to access and posteruptively they are difficult to diagnose because the defects resemble caries. Many times, these defects are not detected until after eruption, when the majority are diagnosed as dental decay and teeth are often subjected to surgical tooth restoration. The purposes of this paper are to report a case of nonprogressive PIR that was detected early, treated with a preventive glass ionomer sealant, and monitored for 44 months, and to propose an alternative approach to management of nonprogressive defects that may help preserve tooth structure.

Background: Coronal resorption is a coronal degeneration of enamel and dentine in which ultimately the crown is replaced by vascular connective tissue through a defect in the enamel organ of an unerupted tooth. This is also known as pre-eruptive coronal resorption. However, the aetiology of resorption remains unclear., Case Report: A 13 years 7 months old Caucasian boy who attended an orthodontic consultation for anterior crossbite correction presented with idiopathic pre-eruptive coronal resorption of an erupted right maxillary permanent canine (FDI 13). Clinically, the enamel remaining on the crown was extremely thin and had a shell-like appearance. There was erythematous soft tissue within the parameters of the crown that resembled pulp tissue. From the radiographs, the irregular radiolucency area within the crown portion extended widely into the enamel and dentine., Treatment: Following excisional biopsy, it was decided to retain the right maxillary canine and monitor its progress., Follow-Up: He has been reviewed at frequent appointments over 18-months since the time there was radiographic evidence of resorption., Conclusion: It is prudent to make an early diagnosis of this condition and to formulate short and long-term treatment plans, which may involve keeping the affected tooth to retain the alveolar bone height and width to allow for the option of planning for an implant.

Multiple idiopathic cervical resorption is an uncommon condition, the etiology of which remains unknown. The case of a 36-year-old woman with idiopathic resorption in the cervical areas of multiple teeth is presented. Her medical history was noncontributory, but her dental history was valuable in reaching a diagnosis. Hematologic and endocrinal investigations were unremarkable, but a computed tomography scan revealed relevant information. The progression of the lesion and involvement of multiple teeth without any pattern or chronology are challenges faced when diagnosing and treating this condition.

It has been suggested that tooth resorption (TR) in cats is associated with vitamin D3 status. The purpose of this study was to evaluate any correlation between serum 25-OH-D concentrations and the prevalence of TR. The healthy adult domestic cats (n=64) of this study had been fed similar premium dry-expanded foods throughout their lives. Serum 25-OH-D was measured, and cats received a single, complete periodontal examination, with periodontal probing of each tooth and exploration of the tooth surface using a dental explorer A complete set of 10 dental radiographs was taken for each cat. There were 168 TRs diagnosed in 40 of 64 cats (85 were Type 1 TR and 83 were Type 2). The mean serum 25-OH-D concentration was 187.7 +/- 87.3 nmol/L. The mean serum 25-OH-D in cats with one or more TR was 164.2 +/- 78.8 nmol/L, compared with 226.8 +/- 88.2 nmol/L for those without TR (p = 0.14). The mean serum 25-OH-D in the 13 cats with >5 TR was 131.2 +/- 49.5 nmol/L, which was significantly less than in cats with no TR (p < 0.05). There was no relationship between TR type and serum 25-OH-D. There was no effect of age or sex on serum 25-OH-D. On the contrary, variations in serum 25-OH-D were observed according to the studied breeds. There was no relationship between TR type and serum 25-OH-D. TR prevalence was greater in cats with lower serum 25-OH-D concentrations. In conclusion, the hypothesis that higher serum 25-OH-D concentrations are associated with a higher prevalence of TR is not supported by this study.

A pink retained left mandibular first molar without carious lesions was diagnosed in a healthy 12-year-old girl presenting normal clinical tests. An orthopantomogram failed to detect other retained teeth. Both periapical radiography and computed tomography showed the absence of a periodontal ligament space in the bifurcation area and the presence of radiolucency or calcifications in the pulp cavity. The coronal part of the removed tooth was subjected to histological and immunohistochemical analysis using anti-PCNA (proliferation marker) and anti-p53 (apoptosis marker) antibodies. Root surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The pink color of the molar reflected the extension of resorptive tissue into the clinical crown and the underlining proliferation of pulp vessels. Ankylosis observed in the bifurcation area was also detected in the coronal part of the pulp. Whereas odontoblasts secreted tertiary dentin despite no evidence for a carious lesion, only osteocytes in the newly formed bone were apoptotic and the root surfaces were free of resorption lacunae. The etiopathology of the lesion in this case indicated a pulp origin, suggesting that new therapies targeting this tissue should be developed.

Periodontal disease has not been well characterized in the cat, and it is not known if feline tooth resorptions (TR) are equivalent to those observed in humans and dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the different patterns of periodontal inflammation in cats, and to evaluate their prevalence in a standardized healthy population (n = 109). Particular emphasis was placed on the potential associations between TR and periodontal parameters, as well as the influence of potential risk factors (including breed, sex, and age). A single complete periodontal examination was performed, including periodontal probing of each tooth and exploration of the tooth surface using a dental explorer; at least 10 radiographs were taken for each cat. Missing teeth with radiographic evidence of root apices were present in 34.0% of cats. Periodontal disease was common, and 13.0% of cats had aggressive periodontitis. All of the cats had some form of periodontal inflammation, and only 4.0% of cats were free from gingival inflammation. Moderate to severe gingivitis was present in 13.0% of teeth. Dental furcation exposure was present in 18.0% of all multi-rooted teeth. Periodontal bone loss was observed in 31.2% of teeth, with the majority (98.2%) of all cats having some form of periodontal bone loss. Breed effects were identified for some variables. Eight of 14 periodontal variables were statistically correlated with Type 1 TR. Two of 14 variables (and age) were statistically correlated with Type 2 TR. In conclusion, the cats of this colony had a wide range of periodontal inflammation, including aggressive periodontitis. Type 1 TR and Type 2 TR were identified to be two significantly different manifestations of TR, with a strong association between Type 1 TR and periodontal disease.

Pre-eruptive intracoronal resorption is a lesion often located within the dentin, adjacent to the dentin-enamel junction, in the occlusal aspect of the crown. As the lesions resemble caries, they are often referred as "pre-eruptive caries." The purpose of this case report was to describe the diagnosis and treatment of a permanent molar with pre-eruptive intracoronal resorption and to elaborate on possible associated clinical problems. After surgical exposure of the unerupted tooth, the tooth structure in the resorbed area was removed and the tooth was restored with glass-ionomer material. Three months after the treatment, partial pulpotomy had been performed and the restoration was replaced by amalgam. Elaboration on possible associated clinical problems is provided.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is an uncommon tumor of odontogenic origin, characterized histologically by the formation of ductlike structures with amyloid-like deposits. Histogenesis of AOT is still uncertain and it is often considered as a hamartomatous lesion rather than a true neoplasm. AOT has a benign behavior and conservative surgical enucleation or curettage is sufficient. We report a case of AOT in a 15-year-old female who presented with left-sided jaw swelling with tooth resorption. Histopathology revealed intraosseus follicular variant of AOT. A brief review of literature is also discussed.

A two-year old neuteral/male cougar (Felis concolor) was presented because of abnormal eating habits and an irregularity of the mandibular right first molar that was noted by the caretaker. Oral examination and dental radiographs showed a lesion consistent with odontoclastic resorption of the mandibular right first molar, and a crown fracture and dilacerated root of the maxillary right first incisor. Exodontic therapy was performed on both teeth. The caretaker reported no problems associated with the patient's oral cavity 10-months following treatment.

Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a relatively uncommon, insidious, resorptive lesion starting subgingivally at the cervical root surface of a tooth. ICR is of uncertain aetiology, although damage to the cervical periodontal attachment to the tooth appears to be a prerequisite. For the most part the lesion is asymptomatic so early detection can be difficult. Nevertheless, if less than a third of the root of the tooth is affected by an ICR lesion treatment of the resorptive tissue using the chemical escharotic agent trichloracetic acid, with or without surgical access, followed by curettage of the lesion and restoration of the defect with glass ionomer cement, is generally successful.

"Occult" or "hidden" caries refers to occlusal caries which is not diagnosed clinically because the occlusal surface appears ostensibly intact, and radiographs show radiolucencies in dentin. The prevalence of occult caries has been reported to range from 2.2% to over 50% of permanent molars. In spite of its relatively high prevalence, the etiology and pathogenesis of occult caries remain unclear. The author hypothesizes that occult lesions could have resulted from processes which are pre-eruptive or post-eruptive. Pre-eruptive processes include intracoronal resorption of unerupted teeth, and the post-eruptive process is occlusal fissure caries. Although the prevalence of intracoronal resorption has been shown to be around 3-6% by subject and 0.5-2% by teeth, the percentage contribution of this process to the overall prevalence of occult caries is unclear. When affected teeth are fully erupted, it is difficult to determine if pre-eruptive resorption had been present previously. The prevalence of occult lesions does not appear to be affected by fluoride exposure. Radiographs are useful adjuncts to aid in the diagnosis of occult lesions. Bitewing radiographs are useful for detecting early occlusal fissure caries while panorex radiographs of unerupted developing teeth aid in the diagnosis of pre-eruptive intracoronal lesions. It is suggested that all unerupted, developing teeth on radiographs be examined for pre-eruptive resorptive lesions.

Tooth resorption is a common sequela following injuries to or irritation of the periodontal ligament and/or tooth pulp. The course of tooth resorption involves an elaborate interaction among inflammatory cells, resorbing cells, and hard tissue structures. The key cells involved in resorption are of the classic type, which include osteoblasts and odontoclasts. Types of tooth resorption include internal resorption and external resorption. There are two types of internal resorption: root canal (internal) replacement resorption and internal inflammatory resorption. External resorption can be classified into four categories by its clinical and histologic manifestations: external surface resorption, external inflammatory root resorption, replacement resorption, and ankylosis. External inflammatory root resorption can be further categorized into cervical resorption with or without a vital pulp (invasive cervical root resorption) and external apical root resorption. Other variations of resorption include combined internal and external resorption and transient apical breakdown.

Invasive cervical resorption is a relatively uncommon form of external root resorption. There may be no external signs, and the resorptive condition is often detected by routine radiographic examination. Where the lesion is visible, the clinical features vary from a small defect at the gingival margin to a pink coronal discoloration of the tooth crown resulting in ultimate cavitation of the overlying enamel. The condition is usually painless unless pulpal or periodontal infection supervenes. Radiographic features of lesions vary from well-delineated to irregularly bordered mottled radiolucencies, and these can be confused with dental caries. A characteristic radiopaque line generally separates the image of the lesion from that of the root canal, because the pulp remains protected by a thin layer of predentin until late in the process. Histopathologically, the lesions contain fibrovascular tissue with resorbing classic cells adjacent to the dentin surface. More advanced lesions display fibro-osseous characteristics with deposition of ectopic bonelike calcifications both within the resorbing tissue and directly on the dentin surface. Secondary invasion of microorganisms into the pulp or periodontal ligament space will elicit a normal inflammatory response.

A case of internal coronal resorption in a maxillary first permanent molar of a young adult is described. Conservative treatment was done, which included endodontic therapy followed by coronal restoration with bonded composites. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment of the resorptive defect is stressed.

Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORL, previously known as "neck lesions") on cat teeth are compared to caries and differentiated with the use of new methods. Radiological examination reveals typical odontoclastic resorptive processes, which take place at the dental root and at the periodontium. These lesions demonstrate the destruction on the desmodontium and the following ankylosing reaction. The rhodamine B stain which is selective for caries, stains regions which are softened by caries in a dark red way. Fuchsin/Acetic-Light Green stained histological preparations demonstrate the resorptive lacunae, resorptive lagoons and resorptive canals. Giant cells with multiple nuclei and reparative cementum can also be shown with the same stain. Hardness measurements using a Knoop diamond (KHN Knoop hardness number) give information about the degree of hardness of the different tissues. Electron microscopic investigations are performed to show the dentinal tubules and allowing the differentiation between FORL and caries. Since FORL also has been found in wild cats we deduced that alimentation has no effect on the pathogenesis of the disease.

It seems that few cases of idiopathic external resorption appear in the literature and fewer that are followed for a number of years. Such a case is presented with a six-year follow-up. Results showed that there was no remaining pathology and that the tooth was completely asymptomatic following its initial treatment.

A high incidence of aberrant dental formation can be anticipated in developmentally disabled children, particularly where the etiologic factors for developmental retardation are presumably of organic origin. The dentist, practicing in the developmental clinic, must frequently determine the developmental significance of such dental variation. In this capacity, his familiarity with the dental features of genetic disease can contribute significantly to more precise diagnosis.

The present study deals with a study of the tooth mobility, the pocket depth and the bone destruction in 616 periodontally healthy subjects. It was found that the mobility of the upper lateral incisor is inferior to that of the central one. Furthermore, relations of age to tooth mobility and bone destruction were established, whereas no relationship between age and pocket depth was evident.

Of the many measurements cited in the literature, correlation with age can only be established for the length of the transparent root dentine and that of the pulp cavity. The chronological age can be estimated with 90% reliability (+/- 5 years) for subjects between the ages of 20 and 60 by evaluating the quotients of both measurements. The time involved for the examination can be considerably reduced by using a combination of photographic and roentgenologic methods. The good correlation with age however was not reproducible.