Is cone beam computed tomography accurate for post-operative evaluation of implants? an in vitro study
Available online 3 August 2017
Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the accuracy of CBCT images for bone/implant interface diagnosis in comparison to periapical radiographs.
Study Design
Titanium
implants were inserted in 74 bovine rib blocks in intimate contact to
the bone walls, and with a gap of 0.125 mm (simulating a failure in the
osseointegration process). Periapical radiographs were taken with
conventional film, and CBCT scans were acquired with i-CAT (0.2mm and
0.125mm voxel) and Kodak (0.2mm and 0.076mm voxel) units. Three
examiners evaluated the images using a 5-point scale. Diagnostic
accuracy was analyzed through sensitivity, specificity, and the area
under the ROC curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Intra- and
inter-examiner agreements were analyzed through Kendall's concordance
test.
Results
Intra- and
inter-examiner agreements showed satisfactory results. The greatest
accuracy was observed with conventional radiographs (AUC = 0.963 / CI
95% = 0.891-0.993). I-CAT 0.125mm images showed good accuracy (AUC =
0.885 / CI 95% = 0.790-0.947), with no significant difference compared
to conventional radiography. Kodak images had high specificity and low
sensitivity, presenting more false-negative results.
Conclusion
Conventional
radiographs showed the highest accuracy for bone/implant interface
diagnosis. However, CBCT scans (i-CAT 0.125 mm voxel), if available or
if performed for pre-surgical assessment of another implant site, may
provide similar accuracy.
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