Determination of the Volume and Density of Mandibular Ramus as a Donor Site Using CBCT.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the quantity and quality of available bone to provide the autologous bone graft from mandibular ramus.

Material And Methods: CBCT scans were collected and mandibular ramus was evaluated by measuring a variety of parameters including volume, bone height, cortical, and cancellous bone thickness. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. We used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for the evaluation of data normality. We then applied Pearson correlation and independent -test for normal variables, and Spearman and Mann-Whitney correlation tests for abnormal variables. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 19 and value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: A total of 52 women and 32 men (aged 21 to 70) were included in this study. The mean bone volume was 2.7 ± 0.70 cm [95%confidence interval (CI) 1.3-4.5]. The mean bone density in the middle section was 1016.36 ± 231.58 Gy value (95% CI 475.6-1520.9). Kolmogorov-Smirnov test revealed that the variables such as apical cortical/cancellous ratio ( = 0.005), middle-cancellous bone thickness ( = 0.016), and middle cortical/cancellous ratio ( = 0.005) were abnormal and the rest were normal. Bone density, as well as the amount of cortical bone in the middle and apical regions, had a significant reverse correlation with age ( < 0.001).

Conclusion: The volume, density, and cortical/cancellous ratio are independent of sex. The reverse relationship between age and bone density, as well as the amount of cortical bone in several parts, indicates a decrease in bone quality with aging.