The reliability of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) - generated frontal cephalograms

A Safe Technique for Excising the Perpendicular Plate of the Ethmoid Bone in Patients with Crooked Nose: A Finite Element Analysis

BACKGROUND

Correction of the crooked nose, especially the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, has the potential to cause skull base injury. At present, the safe and effective method for perpendicular plate resection has not been clearly defined through biomechanics.

METHOD

CT scan data of 48 patients with crooked nose and deviated nasal septum were divided into C-type, angular deformity-type, and S-type based on the morphology of the 3D model. Different types of finite element models of the nasal bony septum and skull base were established. The osteotomy depth, angle, and force mode of the PPE resection were simulated by assembling different working conditions for the models. The von Mises stress of the anterior cranial fossa was observed.

RESULTS

When the osteotomy line length was 0.5 cm, the angle was at 30° to the Frankfurt plane, and 50 N·mm torque was applied, the von Mises stress of the skull base was minimal in the four models, showing 0.049 MPa (C-type), 0.082 MPa (S-type), 0.128 MPa (angular deformity-type), and 0.021 MPa (control model). The maximum von Mises stress values were found at the skull base when the osteotomy line was 1.5 cm, the angle was 50°, and the force was 10 N along the X-axis, showing 0.349 MPa (C-type), 0.698 MPa (S-type), 0.451 MPa (angular deformity-type), and 0.149 MPa (control model).

CONCLUSION

The use of smaller resection angle with the Frankfurt plane, conservative resection depth, and torsion force can better reduce the stress value at the skull base and reduce the risk of basicranial fracture. It is a safe and effective technique for perpendicular plate resection of the ethmoid bone in the correction of crooked nose.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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Association of Mandibular Posterior Anatomic Limit with Skeletal Patterns and Root Morphology Using Three-Dimensional Cone Beam Computed Tomography Comprehensive Analysis

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the mandibular posterior anatomic limit (MPAL) and skeletal anteroposterior and vertical skeletal patterns, with consideration of factors that may be related. In total, 230 people were included: 49 Japanese, 122 Egyptian, and 59 Korean people. The MPAL was measured at 0, 2, 4, and 6 mm from the root furcation along the sagittal and cuspal lines at the distance from the distal root of the mandibular right second molar to the mandibular cortex of the lingual bone. Eight different MPALs were evaluated using multiple regression analysis with explanatory variables for anteroposterior and vertical skeletal patterns and qualitative variables for age, sex, population, the presence of third molars, number of roots, presence of C-shaped roots, and Angle malocclusion classification. The MPAL was significantly larger as the mandibular plane angle decreased. The MPAL near the root apex was significantly larger as the A-nasion-point B angle increased, and the MPAL near the root apex measured at the cuspal line was significantly larger for C-type roots. The present study showed that a C-shaped root affected the MPAL in addition to the anteroposterior and vertical skeletal patterns.

Comparative study of cephalometric measurements using 3 imaging modalities

BACKGROUND

The authors conducted a study to compare 2-dimensional (2D) lateral cephalometric radiography (LCR), 2D cone-beam computer tomographic (CBCT)-generated cephalogram and 3-dimensional (3D) CBCT for assessing cephalometric measurements.

METHODS

The authors took 2D LCR, 2D CBCT-generated cephalogram, and 3D CBCT images involving 60 participants. They obtained 11 angular and 11 linear measurements for all images. They used 1-way analysis of variance and the Fisher least significant difference test for statistical comparisons. The authors used Pearson correlation and Pearson χ² test to assess the relationship of these imaging modalities for vertical cephalometric analyses.

RESULTS

Significant differences existed between the 2D cephalograms (LCR and CBCT-generated cephalogram) and the 3D CBCT in 2 angular measurements (maxillary first incisor-nasion (N) point A [A] and mandibular first incisor-N point B (B) (P = .027 and P < .001, respectively) and 5 linear measurements (N menton[Me]/sella gonion [Go], condylion [Co]A, Co gnathion, Go-Me and anterior nasal spine-posterior nasal spine) (P < .004). These measurement values with significant differences were generally greater (approximately 5° for angular measurements and 10 millimeters for linear measurements) on the 3D CBCT scans than on the 2D cephalograms. No significant difference was found between the 2 2D cephalograms (P > .164). No significant difference was found among the 3 imaging modalities for the vertical cephalometric analyses (P > .466).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences existed between the 2D cephalograms (LCR and CBCT-generated cephalogram) and the 3D CBCT scans in 2 angular and 5 linear measurements. The 2 2D cephalograms were similar for cephalometric measurements. The 3 imaging modalities had no significant difference for the vertical cephalometric analyses. CBCT might not add value for every orthodontic situation.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

These results find the values of cephalometric measurements on 3D CBCT scans may be greater than on the conventional LCR for some parameters. The 2D CBCT-generated cephalogram could be an alternative to the conventional LCR for patients whose large-field-of-view CBCT images are already available.

Three-dimensional analysis of molar compensation in patients with facial asymmetry and mandibular prognathism

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the characteristic transverse dental compensations in patients with facial asymmetry and mandibular prognathism and to compare features of dental compensations between two types of mandibular asymmetry using 3-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-eight adult patients with skeletal Class I (control group; n  =  33; 19 men and 14 women) or skeletal Class III with facial asymmetry (experimental group; n  =  45; 23 men and 22 women) were included. The experimental group was subdivided into two groups according to the type of mandibular asymmetry: translation type (T-type; n  =  20) and roll type (R-type; n  =  19). CBCT images were acquired before orthodontic treatment and 3D analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The transverse dental distance was significantly different between the two groups only at the palatal root apex of the maxillary first molar (P < .05). In the experimental group, the first molar axes were compensated significantly on both arches except the maxillary nondeviated side. The vertical molar heights were different between the two groups only on the maxillary arch (P < .001). The R-type showed greater mandibular ramal length difference and menton deviation than the T-type (P < .001). In the R-type, transverse compensation of the maxillary first molars was more obvious than with the T-type, which resulted in canting in the maxillary occlusal plane.

CONCLUSIONS

Mandibular asymmetry with prognathism showed a characteristic transverse dental compensation pattern. The mandibular asymmetry type influenced the amount and direction of molar compensation on the maxillary arch.

Correlation between skeletal and dental changes after mandibular setback surgery-first orthodontic treatment: Cone-beam computed tomography-generated half-cephalograms

Objective

To investigate skeletal and dental changes after application of a mandibular setback surgery-first orthodontic treatment approach in cases of skeletal Class III malocclusion.

Methods

A retrospective study of 34 patients (23 men, 11 women; mean age, 26.2 ± 6.6 years) with skeletal Class III deformities, who underwent surgery-first orthodontic treatment, was conducted. Skeletal landmarks in the maxilla and mandible at three time points, pre-treatment (T0), immediate-postoperative (T1), and post-treatment (T2), were analyzed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-generated half-cephalograms.

Results

The significant T0 to T1 mandibular changes occurred -9.24 ± 3.97 mm horizontally. From T1 to T2, the mandible tended to move forward 1.22 ± 2.02 mm, while the condylar position (Cd to Po-perpendicular plane) shifted backward, and the coronoid process (Cp to FH plane) moved vertically. Between T1 and T2, the vertical dimension changed significantly (p < 0.05). Changes in the vertical dimension were significantly correlated to T1 to T2 changes in the Cd to Po-perpendicular plane (r = -0.671, p = 0.034), and in the Cp to FH plane (r = 0.733, p = 0.016), as well as to T0 to T1 changes in the Cp to Po-perpendicular plane (r = 0.758, p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Greater alterations in the vertical dimension caused larger post-treatment (T2) stage skeletal changes. Studying the mandibular position in relation to the post-surgical vertical dimension emphasized the integral importance of vertical dimension control and proximal segment management to the success of surgery-first orthodontic treatment.

KPG index versus OPG measurements: a comparison between 3D and 2D methods in predicting treatment duration and difficulty level for patients with impacted maxillary canines

Aim. The aim of this study was to test the agreement between orthopantomography (OPG) based 2D measurements and the KPG index, a new index based on 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images, in predicting orthodontic treatment duration and difficulty level of impacted maxillary canines. Materials and Methods. OPG and CBCT images of 105 impacted canines were independently scored by three orthodontists at t₀ and after 1 month (t₁), using the KPG index and the following 2D methods: distance from cusp tip and occlusal plane, cusp tip position in relation to the lateral incisor, and canine inclination. Pearson's coefficients were used to evaluate the degree of agreement and the χ² with Yates correction test was used to assess the independence between them. Results. Inter- and intrarater reliability were higher with KPG compared to 2D methods. Pearson's coefficients showed a statistically significant association between all the indexes, while the χ² with Yates correction test resulted in a statistically significant rejection of independency only for one 2D index. Conclusions. 2D indexes for predicting impacted maxillary canines treatment duration and difficulty sometimes are discordant; a 3D index like the KPG index could be useful in solving these conflicts.

A CBCT study on positional change in mandibular condyle according to metallic anchorage methods in skeletal class III patients after orthognatic surgery

PURPOSE

This study was to evaluate the postoperative stability of the mandibular condyle according to the number of screws in the proximal segment using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty patients diagnosed with skeletal class III malocclusion and underwent sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) were enrolled in this study. In Group A, 4 screws and a 4-hole miniplate were used for the internal fixation of an osteotomy and 3 screws, only 1 screw in the proximal segment, and a 4-hole miniplate were used in Group B. We digitally measured anteroposterior, supero-inferior, and mediolateral positions and angles of the long axis of the mediolateral poles in CBCT scans pre-operatively, within 1 week postoperatively and 3, 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The condylar head angle in the axial plane showed consistent and significant changes. The condylar head angle in the coronal plane decreased in both groups, which shows that condylar heads bent inward. In the axial plane, Group A showed statistically significant differences while Group B did not in early stage (T0-T1-T2). The change in distance between condylar heads shows that these have moved outward in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The results show that a fixation method using 3 screws with a 4-hole miniplate did seemed preferable and may give some flexibility for condylar heads to be positioned in physiologic position during postoperative phase.

Inaccuracies in additive manufactured medical skull models caused by the DICOM to STL conversion process

INTRODUCTION

The process of fabricating physical medical skull models requires many steps, each of which is a potential source of geometric error. The aim of this study was to demonstrate inaccuracies and differences caused by DICOM to STL conversion in additively manufactured medical skull models.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three different institutes were requested to perform an automatic reconstruction from an identical DICOM data set of a patients undergoing tumour surgery into an STL file format using their software of preference. The acquired digitized STL data sets were assessed and compared and subsequently used to fabricate physical medical skull models. The three fabricated skull models were then scanned, and differences in the model geometries were assessed using established CAD inspection software methods.

RESULTS

A large variation was noted in size and anatomical geometries of the three physical skull models fabricated from an identical (or "a single") DICOM data set.

CONCLUSIONS

A medical skull model of the same individual can vary markedly depending on the DICOM to STL conversion software and the technical parameters used. Clinicians should be aware of this inaccuracy in certain applications.

Effect of intended manual condylar positioning on skeletal and dental changes in Skeletal Class III deformities: CBCT-generated half-cephalograms

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the effect of intended manual condylar positioning on skeletal changes from preoperative stage to posttreatment stage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sample comprised 23 patients divided into two groups according to surgery type: mandible-only setback surgery (group I) versus 2-jaw surgery (group II). CBCT-generated Half-Cephalograms were fabricated to evaluate the skeletal, dental, and condylar positioning changes for each subject at three time points (preoperatively (T0), immediate-postoperatively (T1), and posttreatment (T2)).

RESULTS

The angle of the proximal segment in group II was reduced immediate-postoperatively. In both groups, the result showed a negative mean value for the horizontal mandibular position (B point to N-perpendicular plane at T2-T1 stage). In group II, the vertical mandibular position (B point to FH plane at T2-T1 stage) also had a negative mean value. In group I, the change of the B point to N-perpendicular plane (T2-T1) had statistically significant correlations with the change of the Cd to Po-perpendicular plane (T2-T1). In group II, the change of the B point to the N-perpendicular plane (T2-T1) had statistically significant correlations with the change of the <Cd-Cp-FH plane angle (T2-T1) and the Cp to FH plane (T1-T0).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the change from the T1 to T2 stage, though not statistically significant, showed a negative short-term relapse. Intended manual condylar positioning may suppress the short-term skeletal relapse.

Three-dimensional vector analysis of mandibular structural asymmetry

OBJECTIVES

The three-dimensional (3D) asymmetric structure of the mandible makes it necessary to analyze both its size and angle. Currently the developing 3D analysis techniques are not able to perform the simultaneous linear and angular measurements. Our aim was to evaluate mandibular asymmetry using a vector-based system by constructing 3D vectors for the mandibular functional units.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed the 3D computed tomography images of normal control (N = 27) and asymmetric mandibles (N = 40). We created 3D vectors for the condylar, coronoid, body, gonial, and symphyseal functional units and compared the corresponding pairs of 3D vectors by calculating vector operations.

RESULTS

The vector difference and other vector components represented the individual 3D architectural pattern and severity of the asymmetric mandible. The body unit contributed most to mandibular asymmetry followed by the condylar unit.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that 3D vector analysis can improve our understanding of the 3D architecture of asymmetric mandibles. This type of 3D vector analysis can be a useful tool for the comprehensive evaluation of its asymmetric mandibular structure.