Correlation of Fracture Widths Detected on CBCT
Abstract
Introduction: A vertical root fracture (VRF) is defined as fractured root segments that are incompletely separated. The introduction of 3-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) represents a significant advancement in dental imaging, enabling clinicians to view areas of interest in multiple planes. The width of VRFs have been measured using various instruments, however, no previous research has utilized digital microscopy in measuring VRF widths. There is limited research correlating fracture width with the ability to detect VRF radiographically. Objective: To measure the fracture widths of previously evaluated teeth and determine if the width influences the ability to detect VRFs on CBCT. Materials and Methods: 26 fractured teeth, evaluated in a previous study, were analyzed. Two samples were lost to complete fracture, leaving 24 teeth with VRF for analysis. In the previous, unpublished NPDS study, board certified specialists reviewed CBCT scans and identified the samples as definitely fractured, uncertain, or definitely not fractured. The current study measured fractures with a Hirox digital microscope (Hirox, KH 7700) utilizing a methodology previously established. The Hirox measurement tool (Hirox, KH 7700 software) was used to record 3 measurements in the apical, middle, and coronal thirds (9 total) of each specimen. The average of the 3 measurements in each third determined the fracture width. This data were compared to the previous studys data and correlated with the ability to detect the fracture radiographically. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Mean widths of the VRFs ranged from 24.45-129.52m. Correlating the results with the previous study, 44.07m was the fracture width at which examiners were more likely to detect a fracture radiographically. Conclusion: Analysis revealed VRFs wider than 44m are more likely to be identified on limited FOV CBCT images.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1063877
Entities
People
- Christopher D Bradley
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences