Analysis of bone volume using computer simulation system for secondary bone graft in alveolar cleft

The purpose of this study was to measure the bone volume necessary for secondary bone grafting in the alveolar cleft using surgical simulation software based on three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) scan data, to compare this measurement with the actual volume of the bone graft, and to evaluate consistency. The subjects were 13 patients with cleft lip and palate who underwent CT using a cone-beam CT unit (CB-CT) 1 month before surgery, followed by bone grafting with particulate cancellous bone and marrow (PCBM) to close the cleft. The bone volume necessary for grafting was measured based on the CB-CT scan data. Correlation analysis, a test of the population mean between two samples, and Wilcoxon's signed rank test were conducted between these measurements and the actual bone volume (PCBM volume) used for grafting. SPSS was used for statistical analysis, and the level of significance was set below the 5% level. The results showed a significant correlation, with no significant differences between the two in all tests. These results suggest that measuring and preoperatively calculating the bone volume necessary for bone grafting with surgical simulation software using CB-CT scan data is beneficial.