Evaluation of maxillary trabecular microstructure as an indicator of implant stability by using 2 cone beam computed tomography systems and micro-computed tomography

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the trabecular microarchitecture of the maxilla by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) ex vivo.

Study design: Seventeen maxillary cadaver specimens were scanned by using micro-CT and CBCT devices. Samples were scanned with 2 CBCT devices at different voxel sizes (0.08, 0.125, and 0.160 mm for 3-D Accuitomo 170; 0.75 and 0.200 mm for Planmeca Promax 3-D Max). Morphometric parameters, such as bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) ratio, trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), trabecular number (Tb.N), and degree of anisotropy (DA) were assessed by using CTAnalyzer software. Bland-Altman limits of agreement and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were performed to evaluate agreement between CBCT and micro-CT in consideration of measured morphometric parameters. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results: The BV/TV, Tb.Th, Tb.Sp, and DA values were higher for CBCT images compared with micro-CT images, whereas the Tb.N value was lower with CBCT images than with micro-CT images. The BV/TV and DA parameters showed the highest agreement between CBCT and micro-CT devices (ICC = 0.421 for BV/TV and ICC = 0.439 for DA; P < .01).

Conclusions: The BV/TV and DA parameters measured on CBCT obtained at the smallest voxel size were found to be useful for the assessment of maxillary trabecular microstructure.