Accuracy of both virtual and printed 3-dimensional models for volumetric measurement of alveolar clefts prior to alveolar bone grafting compared to a validated algorithm:a preliminary investigation

摘要

: To determine the accuracy of virtual 3D and 3D printed models derived from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans for volumetric measurement of alveolar clefts prior to bone grafting : Cohort study: University dental hospital: Fifteen subjects with unilateral cleft lip and palate : Subjects had i-CAT CBCT scans recorded at 0.2mm voxel and sectioned transversely into 0.2mm slices using i-CAT Vision (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, Pennsylvania). s: Alveolar cleft volumes were calculated using: (1) validated algorithm (MATLAB, The Mathworks Inc, Natwik, Massachusetts), (2) commercially available virtual 3D model software (Volume Graphics Studio Max 2.2 (VGSM), Volume Graphics, Heidelberg, Germany) and (3) 3D printed models, which were micro-CT scanned and analyzed using VGSM. For inter-observer reliability, a two-way mixed model intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) evaluated the reproducibility of identifying the cranial and caudal limits of the clefts between three observers. A Friedman Test (p0.05) determined differences between the volume methods (SPSS Statistics 19.0, IBM Corporation, New York). : Inter-observer reliability was almost perfect (ICC = 0.987). There were no significant differences between the three methods (p0.05) although virtual 3D models were the most precise with the smallest standard deviations and confidence intervals. : In this preliminary investigation, virtual 3D and 3D printed models were as precise as the validated computer algorithm for calculating alveolar cleft volumes prior to bone grafting but virtual 3D models were the most accurate and subject to further investigation could be a useful adjunct in clinical practice.