Comparison of Lateral Cephalometric and Cone Beam CT Measurements in Mandibular Symphysis

Comparison of Linear And Angular Measurements in Mandibular Symphyseal Region Using Lateral Cephalometric and Cone Beam CT Images

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the linear and angular measurements of the mandibular symphyseal region using lateral cephalometric (LC) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. The main question it aims to answer are:

Is there a significant difference in measurements on lateral cephalometric and cone beam CT? Measurements were made by 3 radiologists, and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to measure interobserver reliability.

The aim of the study is to compare the linear and angular measurements of the mandibular symphyseal region using lateral cephalometric (LC) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. One hundred patients justifying both LC and CBCT exposures were included. Both lateral cephalometric and CBCT images of the patients were used for angular and linear measurements. Angular measurements included vestibular-concavity, lingual- and tooth-inclination angles. Vestibular and lingual cortical bone and total bone thickness measurements were obtained for the comparison of linear measurements. Three radiologists performed the measurements on 200 images. Comparison of the measurements and the imaging methods were done using paired- and Wilcoxon t-tests. Inter-observer reliability was evaluated with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged 25 to 40 years with lateral cephalometric and CBCT exposure indication for various reasons and/or dental procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under 25 and above 40 years of age, with more than single missing mandibular anterior teeth, with implants and/or metal restorations in the mandibular anterior region that may disrupt image quality and thus measurements, prominent asymmetry of the mandibular anterior region, having orthodontic appliances, temporomandibular joint and/or muscle disorders and history of trauma were excluded from the study.