Three-dimensional morphometric analysis of human cadaver bone: microstructural data from maxilla and mandible

The mechanical behavior of bone is a critical factor in the attainment and maintenance of osseointegration. Current procedures and classifications in assessing bone quality have limitations. Micro-computed tomography (microCT) is a new method to image and quantify bone with very high resolution. This study was aimed to analyze cadaveric maxillary and mandibular trabecular bone with 3-D morphometric data acquired through microCT and correlate with conventional bone assessment methods. Moderately resorbed edentulous maxilla and mandible from a human cadaver were scanned in the conventional CT unit with opaque markers indicating specific anterior and posterior sites. These sites were then sectioned and standard periapical radiographs were obtained. Bone cores were harvested from the sectioned sites and scanned in the microCT unit. Bone density values based on the Hounsfield scale ranged from 51 to 529 in the mandible and 186 to 389 in the maxilla, anterior sites being higher in both. Periapical images did not yield distinct differences. 3-D morphometric analysis in microCT produced a range of values with anterior specimens being favorable: bone volume density (0.12-0.291), trabecular thickness (0.12-0.16 mm), trabecular separation (0.46-0.82 mm), trabecular number (1.08-2.071/mm) and structural model index (0.29-1.27). General agreement between bone density and microCT indices was noted; however, subtle differences have to be studied with larger samples. This preliminary study suggests that the understanding of mechanical competence of trabecular bone might reveal further information about the prognosis of implant therapy, advancements in implant design, surgical techniques and grafting.