Reliability of Linear and Curvilinear Measurements on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images for the Evaluation of Implant Sites and Jaw Pathologies

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability of linear and curvilinear measurements for the complete assessment of implant sites and jaw pathologies using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods: Fifty cone-beam computed tomographic images of patients were retrieved from the archives of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology. CBCT images taken for implant planning and evaluation of intrabony jaw pathologies (benign cyst/tumor) were included. Two expert oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyzed the images independently and made the measurements. The images for implant planning were analyzed for width, the height of the edentulous site, and the qualitative analysis of bone in the region. Jaw pathologies were assessed for linear dimensions and curvilinear measurements. Results: The inter-observer measurement error for implant site analysis ranged from 0.12 to 0.42 mm with almost perfect agreement (ICC: 0.94 to 1). The inter-observer measurement error for jaw pathology was 0.09 to 0.25 mm (ICC: 0.98-1). Curvilinear measurements showed perfect agreement between the observers. The intraobserver reliability for the various parameters used for the assessment of the implant site and jaw pathologies indicated almost perfect agreement. Conclusion: Reliability between the radiologists is high for various measurements on CBCT images taken for implant planning and jaw pathologies.