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Updated: May 12, 2026
A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
The effect of computed tomographic scanner parameters and 3-dimensional volume rendering techniques on the accuracy
Brian J Whyms1, Houri K Vorperian, Lindell R Gentry
1Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53705, USA.
Objectives:
This study investigates the effect of scanning parameters on the accuracy of measurements from three-dimensional (3D), multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) mandible renderings. A broader range of acceptable parameters can increase the availability of computed tomographic (CT) studies for retrospective analysis.
Study Design:
Three human mandibles and a phantom object were scanned using 18 combinations of slice thickness, field of view (FOV), and reconstruction algorithm and 3 different threshold-based segmentations. Measurements of 3D computed tomography (3DCT) models and specimens were compared.
Results:
Linear and angular measurements were accurate, irrespective of scanner parameters or rendering technique. Volume measurements were accurate with a slice thickness of 1.25 mm, but not 2.5 mm. Surface area measurements were consistently inflated.
Conclusions:
Linear, angular, and volumetric measurements of mandible 3D MDCT models can be confidently obtained from a range of parameters and rendering techniques. Slice thickness is the primary factor affecting volume measurements. These findings should also apply to 3D rendering using cone-beam CT (CBCT).
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