title: Detection of horizontal root fracture with small-volume cone-beam computed tomography in the presence and absence of intracanal metallic post.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the present study was to test the accuracy of small-volume cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning in the detection of horizontal root fractures and to assess the influence of a metallic post.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty teeth were divided into four groups based on the presence of metallic posts and horizontal root fracture. The teeth were examined by small-volume CBCT scanning at 0.2-mm voxel resolution. Three observers analyzed the samples for the presence of a horizontal root fracture. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  High values for accuracy (73%-88%) were obtained in the groups without a metallic post, and statistically significant differences were found when the group with a metallic post has been observed (55%-70%). Intraobserver agreement also showed statistically significant differences in the groups with a metallic post.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Small-volume CBCT scanning showed high accuracy in detecting horizontal root fracture without a metallic post. However, the presence of a metallic post significantly reduced the specificity and sensitivity of this examination.
authors.affiliation: University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. felipecosta@usp.br
authors.forename: Felipe Ferreira
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.forename: Bruno Felipe
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Gaia
authors.forename: Otavio Shoiti
authors.initials: OS
authors.lastname: Umetsubo
authors.forename: Marcelo Gusmão Paraiso
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Cavalcanti
mesh_terms: D001641:Bicuspid; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008670:Metals; D015588:Observer Variation; D011176:Post and Core Technique; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000379:methods; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D019553:Tooth, Nonvital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
chemical_list: D008670:Metals