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Published on: February 23, 2024
Assessment of open source software for CBCT in detecting additional mental foramina
Oséas Santos1, Lucas Rodrigues Pinheiro, Otávio Shoiti Umetsubo
1Univ de São Paulo - USP, School of Dentistry, Department of Stomatology, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. oseasjr@usp.br
Three-dimensional (3D) imaging protocols, specifically 3D-MPR and 3D volume rendering, are most effective for analyzing additional mental foramen (AMF) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans for dental implant planning. Open-source software like OsiriX demonstrates high measurement reproducibility for these anatomical variations.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Preoperative planning for dental implants requires accurate visualization of anatomical structures.
- The additional mental foramen (AMF) is a anatomical variation that can complicate surgical procedures.
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a common imaging modality for dental applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal post-processing imaging protocol for analyzing the additional mental foramen (AMF) using CBCT.
- To assess the reproducibility of measurements for AMF and mental foramen (MF) using open-source software.
- To evaluate the utility of different imaging protocols in preoperative planning for dental implants.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-eight CBCT exams were analyzed for the presence of AMF.
- Qualitative analysis of AMF was performed using 2D orthogonal MPR, 3D-MPR, and 3D volume rendering protocols by two radiologists.
- Quantitative analysis of MF and AMF areas, and interforaminal distance, was conducted using 3D-MPR with specific measurement tools in OsiriX.
- Intra- and inter-examiner agreement was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient.
Main Results:
- The panoramic view was insufficient for clearly visualizing the MF and AMF.
- The parasagittal view and 2D Orthogonal MPR could detect the AMF in some instances.
- 3D-MPR and 3D volume rendering protocols were most effective for locating and analyzing the AMF.
- Measurements using OsiriX demonstrated high reproducibility for anatomical variations.
Conclusions:
- Three-dimensional imaging protocols (3D-MPR and 3D volume rendering) significantly improve visualization of the AMF compared to 2D methods.
- 3D-MPR is a highly effective protocol for analyzing foramina relationships and aiding preoperative planning.
- Open-source software, specifically OsiriX, offers realistic and reproducible measurement capabilities for CBCT analysis in dental implant planning.
