Quantitative assessment of condylar bone resorption using fused CBCT images: differentiating and diagnosing three...

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis (TMJ OA) involves bone changes like resorption.
• Accurate diagnosis of these changes is crucial for patient management.
• Cone-beam CT (CBCT) is a common imaging modality for TMJ OA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of fused CBCT images for detecting bone changes in TMJ OA.
• To compare the diagnostic performance of non-fused, fused 2D, and fused 3D CBCT images.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 109 patients with TMJ OA.
• Registration and fusion of consecutive CBCT scans.
• Independent evaluation of non-fused, fused 2D, and fused 3D images for condylar resorption.
• Subgroup analysis based on calculated volume and thickness decrease.

Main Results:

• Fused CBCT images showed higher diagnostic accuracy (AUC) for significant bone volume (>50 mm³) or thickness (>1 mm) decrease.
• Fused 2D images improved accuracy for smaller decreases (<50 mm³ volume, <1 mm thickness) compared to non-fused images.
• No significant difference was found between fused 3D images and non-fused images for smaller decreases.

Conclusions:

• Fused CBCT images enhance diagnostic accuracy and repeatability for TMJ OA with substantial bone volume or thickness reduction.
• Fused 2D images offer improved detection for subtle bone changes.
• Fusion of CBCT images is a valuable tool for assessing TMJ OA progression.