Utility of ultrasonography as adjunct to diagnosis in certain orofacial lesions over the clinical and radiological evaluation: A comparative study

Objectives : This study was aimed at evaluating the utility of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and treatment plan of certain orofacial lesions over the clinical and radiological evaluation of patients and to visualize advantages and disadvantages, if any, over conventional diagnostic methods. Study Design : The study consisted of 35 patients and according to the requirement, all these patients were clinically and radiologically diagnosed and then subjected to ultrasonographic evaluation. Results : Following the evaluation when the lesions were measured and compared, it was noticeable that clinical measurement was found to be relatively larger in all classes. Not many characteristics are found to be specific to any particular pathological lesions and it is not possible to establish the diagnosis of lesion by sonographic evaluation alone. The statistical analysis (ANOVA a ) and post Hoc test revealed statistical significance with regard to inflammatory and neoplastic conditions; others did not show significant values. Conclusion : Ultrasound can be used as a diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of certain orofacial lesions in the maxillofacial region, as this method is quick, widely available, relatively inexpensive, and easily reproducible without causing inconvenience to patients. However, careful analysis with through anatomical knowledge, could give an effective, early, and accurate diagnosis.