An evaluation of the origin of trabecular bone patterns using visual and digital image analysis.

Objective: The purpose of this research project was to investigate the origin of the anatomical structures interpreted as trabecula bone on dental radiographic images.

Study Design: Mandible sections were cut sagitally into halves. Trabecular bone was removed from each section in 4 stages.

Digital image analysis of cadaver mandibular trabecular bone patterns.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the source of radiographic trabecular patterns by removing trabecular bone in four sequential steps from six cadaver mandible sections, radiographing the sections after each removal, and using four digital-image analysis methods to quantify any resulting changes to the radiographs.

Methods: Mandible sections were cut sagittally into halves. Trabecular bone was removed from each section in four stages.