Can four-dimensional computed tomography support diagnosis and treatment planning?: a case report before and after coronoidectomy.

INTRODUCTION Elongated mandibular coronoid process is a rare condition defined as enlargement of the coronoid process. The only useful way to treat the mouth-opening limitation is resection of the elongated coronoid process. Four-dimensional CT (4DCT; three spatial dimensions plus time axis) is a novel imaging technique. Its usefulness of for evaluation of dynamic movements such as joint motion has been reported. Here, we show the potential usefulness of 4DCT evaluation in a patient with elongated mandibular coronoid process. CASE PRESENTATION A 59-year-old female who suffered from mouth-opening difficulty and pressure during mouth opening was referred to our department. Elongation of the right coronoid process was evident in a panoramic X-ray image. The mandibular movement and temporal muscle motility before and after coronoidectomy in this patient on 4DCT could be evaluated. CONCLUSIONS 4DCT is useful in the diagnosis and surgical outcome of elongated coronoid process.