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Linear measurements of sinus floor elevation based on voxel‐based superimposition of cone beam computed tomography images
Author(s) -
Huang Jie,
Hu Jiahui,
Luo Rongchun,
Xie Sisi,
Wang Zuolin,
Ye Ying
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
clinical implant dentistry and related research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.338
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1708-8208
pISSN - 1523-0899
DOI - 10.1111/cid.12830
Subject(s) - superimposition , intraclass correlation , medicine , cone beam computed tomography , voxel , nuclear medicine , orthodontics , radiology , computed tomography , computer science , artificial intelligence , psychometrics , clinical psychology
Background Postsurgical evaluation of sinus floor elevation regularly involves linear measurements of the elevated volumes in the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. The accuracy of measurements could be compromised due to ill‐defined sinus floor outline if implants are placed simultaneously. Purpose The aim was to examine a CBCT superimposition method to improve the measurement accuracy. Materials and Methods Twenty patients who received transalveolar sinus floor elevation with immediate implantation were enrolled. CBCTs before and after surgery were transformed into digital imaging and communications in medicine format and imported into the Dolphin Imaging software. Voxel‐based superimposition was automated to merge the files. In the superimposed image, parameters including alveolar bone height, protruded implant length, and total elevated height were measured. The superimposition and measurements were performed independently by two examiners and in two timepoints with 1‐week time interval. We used intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to analyze the interexaminer and intraexaminer agreements. Results Of measured parameters, the mean of difference between two timepoints ranged from 0.18 to 0.26 mm by examiner 1, and from 0.16 to 0.20 mm by examiner 2. ICCs were equal or greater than 0.98, indicating perfect intraexaminer agreement. For interexaminer reliability, the largest mean of difference was 0.27 mm in measuring alveolar bone height between two examiners. ICCs were greater than 0.98, showing perfect interexaminer agreement. Conclusions The voxel‐based superimposition of pre‐ and post‐surgical CBCT images with Dolphin Imaging is an effective and reliable way for linear measurements so as to assess the surgical outcome. There is minimal effect on reproducibility of measured data by different timepoints or performers.