Is there any predictive bone parameter for implant stability in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional radiologic images?

Objectives: This ex vivo study aimed to compare radiomorphometric parameters between 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-dimensional (3-D) radiographs and evaluate the influence of preoperative radiologic bone parameters on the clinical outcomes of implant stability.

Study Design: Implant recipient sites in fresh bovine blocks were evaluated on panoramic radiographs for gray value (GV), fractal dimension (FD), number of connected trabeculae (Co), and density of connected trabeculae (CoD). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were evaluated for trabecular thickness (TbTh), cortical thickness (CTh), degree of anisotropy (DA), FD, and Co. Insertion torque (IT) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were measured.

Results: GV was significantly correlated with all parameters in 2-D and 3-D images except FD in 2-D and Co in 3-D, and with all surgical parameters (P ≤ .029). Co and CoD values on panoramic radiographs had significant correlation with TbTh, CTh, and DA values on CBCT images (P < .001). All 2-D parameters and TbTh and CTh in the CBCT data were significantly correlated with IT only (P ≤ .047). Only GV was correlated with ISQ measurements (P ≤ .029).

Conclusions: GV, Co, and CoD values on panoramic radiographs reflect the architecture of trabecular bone and the thickness of cortical bone, and might help predict implant stability in clinical situations.