Microcomputed tomography cortical bone evaluation for craniofacial implantology

Abstract

Introduction Good implant stability is one of the most important factors for successful implant therapy. This precondition is important for all kinds of implants, oral and extra-oral, i.e. craniofacial implants as well. One of the most important factors for satisfactory implant stability is the bone quality, particularly of the cortical bone, which is determined by its microarchitectural parameters. The aim of this paper was to assess cortical bone microarchitectural parameters in the targeted regions for craniofacial implant placement.

Methods Bone quality on targeted locations was determined by the micro-CT method on a cadaver model. The target places for implant placement were the periorbital, the perinasal, and the periauricular region. Microarchitectural parameters included cortical thickness (Ct.Th.), cortical porosity (Ct.Po.), pore diameter (Po.Dm.), and pore separation (Po.Sp.).

Results The smallest Ct.Po. (4.1%) and the largest Po.Sp. (0.5 mm) were determined in glabella. The maximum Ct.Th. (2.7 mm) as well as Po.Dm. (0.2 mm) were found in the zygomatic region. The mastoid part of the temporal bone showed the smallest Ct.Th. (1.2 mm) and Po.Sp. (0.3 mm). The highest Ct.Po. was in the perinasal region (8.5%).

Conclusion The bone quality measured through microarchitectural parameters was good in all the regions of interest for the disk- and screw-shape extra-oral implant anchorage.

Keywords: microarchitecture; bone quality; micro-CT