Length determination of zygomatic implants using tridimensional computed tomography

Abstract

Considering the potential of tridimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) as a predictor of real bone dimensions, nine dried human skulls with maxillary edentulism were evaluated using images obtained by 3D-CT, prior to the installation of zygomatic implants, in order to obtain the measurements of the implants. In the analysis of correlation between the two 3D-CT examiners, a 75% agreement was found, and no correlation was found between them and the surgical measurement. The worst result was the surgical one, possibly because an inaccurate probe was used. Based on the obtained data, we concluded that the probe used is inaccurate, suggesting that the surgical probe be changed in its measurement scale. Agreement between surgeon and radiologist could possibly be obtained by using insertion guides, since what might have possibly caused the discrepancy in the results is the fact that the 3D-CT examiners and the surgeon used different implant insertion points. It is also possible that a larger sample might produce a more accurate evaluation, thus improving the results.