The effect of computed tomographic scanner parameters and 3-dimensional volume rendering techniques on the accuracy of linear, angular, and volumetric measurements of the mandible

• Published in: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology Vol. 115; no. 5; pp. 682 - 691
• Main Authors: Whyms, Brian J., BS, Vorperian, Houri K., PhD, Gentry, Lindell R., MD, Schimek, Eugene M., MS, Bersu, Edward T., PhD, Chung, Moo K., PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Mosby, Inc 01.05.2013
• Subjects: Adult; Algorithms; Alveolar Process - anatomy & histology; Alveolar Process - diagnostic imaging; Anatomic Landmarks - anatomy & histology; Anatomic Landmarks - diagnostic imaging; Cephalometry - methods; Cephalometry - statistics & numerical data; Child; Chin - anatomy & histology; Chin - diagnostic imaging; Dentistry; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - methods; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - statistics & numerical data; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - statistics & numerical data; Mandible - anatomy & histology; Mandible - diagnostic imaging; Mandibular Condyle - anatomy & histology; Mandibular Condyle - diagnostic imaging; Multidetector Computed Tomography - instrumentation; Multidetector Computed Tomography - methods; Multidetector Computed Tomography - statistics & numerical data; Phantoms, Imaging; Polymers; Reference Standards; Retrospective Studies; Surgery; Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 2212-4403; 2212-4411
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2013.02.008

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).