A new method of volumetric assessment of alveolar bone grafting for cleft patients using cone beam computed tomography

Abstract

Objective The aims of this study were to propose a new method for volumetric assessment of alveolar bone grafting and to quantitatively assess alveolar bone grafting based on this method. Study Design Cone beam computed tomography images of 18 patients with unilateral cleft alveolus were selected. Volume of the alveolar cleft before grafting operation (VOLcleft), graft bone filled into cleft immediately after operation (VOLgraft), and bony bridge formed 1 year after operation (VOLbridge) were obtained. The grafting fill rate (VOLgraft/VOLcleft × 100%), bony bridge formation rate (VOLbridge/VOLcleft × 100%), and grafting resorption rate [(VOLgraft − VOLbridge)/VOLgraft × 100%] were calculated. Correlations between these parameters were investigated. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability of this method was assessed. Results Intraobserver and interobserver reliability was good as no statistically significant difference was seen, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was significant (intraobserver R ≥.953; interobserver, R ≥.859). A positive linear correlation (R2 =.808; P <.001) between grafting fill rate and bony bridge formation rate and a negative linear correlation (R2 =.458, P =.002) between grafting fill rate and grafting resorption rate were found. Conclusions This method was practical and valuable for quantitative assessment of alveolar bone grafting.