Accuracy in measurement of distance using limited cone-beam computerized tomography

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of measurement of distance on the images produced by limited cone-beam computerized tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five cadaver mandibles were examined by spiral computerized tomography (SCT) and limited cone-beam computerized tomography (LCBCT). The vertical distance from a reference point to the alveolar ridge was measured by caliper on the sliced mandible, and measurement error on the CT images was calculated in percentages based on the actual values and the measurement values obtained from the CT images. RESULTS: Measurement error was determined to range from 0 to 1.11 mm (0% to 6.9%) on SCT and from 0.01 to 0.65 mm (0.1% to 5.2%) on LCBCT, with measurement errors of 2.2% and 1.4%, respectively (P < .0001). DISCUSSION: This study suggests that distance can be measured accurately using LCBCT. The size of the rectangular solid images obtained using LCBCT (30 mm wide and 42.7 mm long) is thought to be adequate for observation of mandibular bony structure and for preoperative assessment before dental implant placement. CONCLUSION: In this experiment on cadaver mandibles, LCBCT was shown to be a useful tool for preoperative evaluation in dental surgery because the relatively small field size of its images limits the patient's exposure to radiation.