Assessment of cortical bone thickness using ultrasound

PurposeThe aim of the study was to analyze the accuracy of measuring the cortical bone thickness using a combination of low- and high-frequency ultrasound (US) compared with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and using stereomicroscopy as reference method. Material and MethodsTen jawbone models were prepared using bovine ribs and porcine gingiva. A dental implant was placed in each model. All models were investigated by US, CBCT, and stereomicroscopy. The cortical bone thickness was measured directly above and 4mm beside the implant with each method in different slices. ResultsThe median deviation of US measurements compared to the reference method was 0.23mm. The CBCT method was slightly more accurate (median percent deviation of 9.2%) than the US method (10.3%). However, US measurements directly above the implant were more accurate than CBCT measurements with a median percent deviation of 10.5% for US vs. 11.8% for CBCT. ConclusionUltrasound showed a high potential to supplement CBCT for measurements of the cortical bone thickness.