Reliability and Reproducibility of Linear Measurements of Alveolar Ridges Using Cone-beam CT Made by Radiologists and Periodontists

Abstract

Background and aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-examiner reliability and reproducibility of linear measurements on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images made by calibrated radiologists and periodontists. Materials and methods. The alveolar ridge dimensions were measured on selected CBCT images by two calibrated radiologists and two periodontists. Intra- and inter-examiner reliability was evaluated by intra-rater and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results. Intra- and inter-examiners ICCs obtained with the different methods showed almost perfect matches. The results demonstrated high examiner reproducibility for linear parameters of alveolar ridges on CBCT images in presurgical implant site assessments. Conclusion. The alveolar ridge dimensions provided by the radiologists might be useful for the periodontists. The measurements with small differences were related to the experience and skills of the examiner, inclination measurement, selection of the exact level of the alveolar crest and the ability to detect the exact anatomic borders on CBCT images.

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

“…Also, the inter-examiner measurement error for the height of the edentulous ridge was 0.42 mm. The values observed from this study showed almost perfect agreement between the observers when compared to the findings from the study by Safi et al [2]. They assessed the reliability of linear measurements of the alveolar ridges made by radiologists and periodontists on 23 CBCT images and stated that there was almost perfect agreement between the observers.…”

“…These include the evaluation of edentulous sites for implant placement, extent and size of cysts, tumors that affect the jaws, measuring airway spaces, and cephalometric analysis. CBCT software enables the operator to measure the linear and curvilinear dimensions of structures with a high degree of reliability [2,3].…”

“…Literature focussing on the reliability of these measurements using different software is also tested [10,11]. However, studies focusing on the reliability of these measurements on patients' CBCT images are very few [2].…”