Determining the Accuracy of the Mandibular Canal Region in 3D Biomodels Fabricated from CBCT Scanned Data: A Cadaveric Study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To validate the accuracy of the mandibular canal region in 3D biomodel produced by using data obtained from Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) of cadaveric mandibles. METHODS: Six hemi-mandible samples were scanned using the i-CAT CBCT system. The scanned data was transferred to the OsiriX software for measurement protocol and subsequently into Mimics software to fabricate customized cutting jigs and 3D biomodels based on rapid prototyping technology. The hemi-mandibles were segmented into 5 dentoalveolar blocks using the customized jigs. Digital calliper was used to measure six distances surrounding the mandibular canal on each section. The same distances were measured on the corresponding cross-sectional OsiriX images and the 3D biomodels of each dentoalveolar block. RESULTS: Statistically no significant difference was found when measurements from OsiriX images and 3D biomodels were compared to the "gold standard" -direct digital calliper measurement of the cadaveric dentoalveolar blocks. Moreover, the mean value difference of the various measurements between the different study components was also minimal. CONCLUSION: Various distances surrounding the mandibular canal from 3D biomodels produced from the CBCT scanned data was similar to that of direct digital calliper measurements of the cadaveric specimens.