Volumetry of bone grafts by three-dimensional computed tomographic reconstruction: an animal study in the minipig.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the accuracy of 3D-CT reconstruction for determination of bone graft volume in an animal model.


METHODS
Eight minipigs had bone graft reconstruction of an alveolar ridge defect. The true volume of the graft (VOL I) was determined by Archimedes principle before reconstruction. Following fixation, axial CT-scans (1 mm slice thickness with 50% overlap) were performed and segmented into grafted and residual bone for 3D-reconstruction. Using the volume tool of the 3D program the volume (VOL II) was calculated.


RESULTS
There was a strong correlation between VOL I and VOL II (r = 0.93, P = 0.001). There was a tendency, which was not statistically significant, to overestimate the volume measured by 3D-CT.


CONCLUSIONS
The volume of a bone graft can be determined by 3D-CT. However, further refinements of the technique are needed to improve the accuracy.
Jensen
J
J
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal Dental College, Aarhus University, Denmark.
Kragskov
J
J
Wenzel
A
A
Sindet-Pedersen
S
S
D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013515:Surgery, Oral; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014867:Water
D014867:Water