Accurate linear measurements in the anterior maxilla using orthoradially reformatted spiral computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
To validate measurement accuracy in proximity to the incisive canal from two-dimensional (2D) reformatted spiral computed tomography (CT).


METHODS
Eight cadaver heads were examined with spiral CT with 1 mm thick axial slices and 1 mm.s-1 table feed. The data was transferred to a networked computer workstation to generate 2D orthoradially reformatted images. The length of the incisive canal and width of the alveolar crest were measured independently by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists. The soft tissues in the region of the incisive foramen were removed and physical measurements made using an electromagnetic digitizer.


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference between measurements on orthoradial 2DCT images and physical measurements (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Accurate measurements for dental implant placement in proximity to the incisive canal can be made from reformatted spiral CT images.
Cavalcanti
M G
MG
Department of Radiology, Faculty of Odontology, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Yang
J
J
Ruprecht
A
A
Vannier
M W
MW
D000368:Aged; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*