Evaluation of tuned aperture computed tomography (TACT) in the localization of simulated periodontal defects

To compare the diagnostic efficacy of tuned aperture computed tomography (TACT) with the application of the 'buccal object rule' (BOR) in the localization of simulated periodontal defects.

Thirty interproximal sites were selected in fifteen cadaver segments of maxillae and mandible. Artificial periodontal defects were created using round burs and 40% formic acid in the buccal, lingual or mid-buccolingual areas. Eight basis projections were obtained and TACT slices were reconstructed for each region of interest. Two of the basis images were used in application of BOR for localization of the defect. Eight observers scored the location of defects using TACT slices and the paired radiographs separately. Data were analysed using the kappa statistic and ANOVA.

A mean weighted kappa of 0.14 for localization was obtained with both BOR and TACT. Using ANOVA, there was no significant difference between modality and observer. There was however, a significant difference (P=0.019) between different defect sizes. Both modalities performed better with larger defect sizes. TACT performed slightly better than BOR when the smaller lesions were included; however, with larger lesions, this trend was reversed.

The results confirm the relationship between correlation distance (the resultant slice width) and object size in the application of TACT for localization. BOR remains a simple yet effective tool for localization. The clinical significance is not clear considering the low kappa scores obtained with both the modalities.