Accuracy of cone beam computed tomography in determining the location of the genial tubercle.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CT) to predict the location of the genial tubercle.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Cadaver study for anatomic analysis of 17 adult human cadaver heads. Each skull/cadaver head underwent radiographic imaging with cone beam CT and cadaver dissection. Measurements, including mandibular height (MH), genial tubercle width (GTW), genial tubercle height (GTH), distance from inferior border of mandible to genial tubercle (IBM/GT), and mandibular thickness (MT) were recorded.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis with paired t test showed no significant difference between cadaver dissections versus cone beam measurements. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals (CI) were as follows: GTW (-0.2 to 1.0), GTH (-0.1 to 0.9), distance IBM/GT (-0.8 to 5.0), MH (-1.3 to -2.6), and MT (-0.1 to 0.3).

CONCLUSION

These results show the accuracy of the 3D cone beam CT in the anatomic location of the genial tubercle.

SIGNIFICANCE

This radiographic technique may prove useful in pre-operative planning for the mandibular osteotomy in genioglossus advancement procedures.