Evaluation of cortical bone thickness and spongy bone density in non-dental maxillary and mandibular regions for orthodontic mini-implant placement

ISRCTN ISRCTN12531499
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12531499
Secondary identifying numbers PROTO-2022-12 Rev.8
Submission date
22/02/2024
Registration date
08/05/2024
Last edited
29/05/2024
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Oral Health
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data
Record updated in last year

Plain English Summary

Background and study aims
This study uses a special type of X-ray called cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to look at the amount and quality of bone in two specific areas of the jaw: the infrazygomatic crest (IZC) and the mandibular buccal shelf (MBS). These areas are often used to place small devices called temporary anchorage devices (TADs) in orthodontics. We want to see if the bone in these areas is thick and dense enough to hold these devices securely. We believe that if the bone is at least 1 mm thick, it will be stable enough. We will also check how dense the bone is, as denser bone can help keep the TADs in place better. The results of this study will help us understand if these areas are good for placing TADs and could improve how orthodontic treatments are done.

Who can participate?
Participants must have undergone CBCT scans for orthodontic, prosthetic planning, or orthognathic surgery purposes. They should also be in good health.

What does the study involve?
All participants' CBCT scans will be analyzed using specialized software. The study will measure the bone thickness and density in the infrazygomatic crest (IZC) and mandibular buccal shelf (MBS) regions. Overall bone widths will also be recorded. This data will help to determine the suitability of these sites for temporary anchorage device (TAD) placement in orthodontic treatments.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Since this is a retrospective study using previously acquired CBCT scans, there are no direct benefits or risks for participants

Where is the study run from?
The study is being conducted at the Dental Clinic of the University of L'Aquila in Italy.

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The study protocol was developed on December 1, 2022. Data collection will begin after approval from the regional ethics committee. The measurement phase will be completed by December 1, 2024, and the study is expected to conclude by February 2025.

Who is funding the study?
The University of L'Aquila in Italy. There is no external funding for this study.

Who is the main contact?
The main contact person for this study is Dr Simone Ettore Salvati, reachable at simoneettore.salvati@graduate.univaq.it

Contact information

Dr Simone Ettore Salvati
Public, Scientific, Principal Investigator

Via G. Petrini
L'Aquila
67100
Italy

ORCiD logoORCID ID 0000-0001-9951-8595
Phone +393804147033
Email simoneettore.salvati@graduate.univaq.it

Study information

Study designSingle-centre retrospective cross-sectional study
Primary study designObservational
Secondary study designCross sectional study
Study setting(s)University/medical school/dental school
Study typeEfficacy
Participant information sheet 45088_PIS.pdf
Scientific titleNon-alveolar vestibular bone sites for temporary anchorage devices in orthodontics: a quantitative and qualitative analysis
Study acronymNAVBS-TAD-O-QQAD
Study hypothesisCurrent study hypothesis as of 29/05/2024:
The primary hypothesis of this study is that cortical bone thicknesses in the infrazygomatic crest (IZC) and mandibular buccal shelf (MBS) regions are sufficient to ensure primary stability for temporary anchorage devices (TADs), specifically above a cut-off value of 1 mm. The null hypothesis (H0) posits that cortical bone thicknesses in these regions are not sufficient to ensure this stability, while the alternative hypothesis (HA) suggests that they are sufficient.

Additionally, the secondary hypotheses include the assessment of cancellous bone density and total bone thickness. The null hypothesis for cancellous bone density (H0) states that it is not high enough in the IZC and MBS regions to contribute to enhanced primary stability of TADs, whereas the alternative hypothesis (HA) asserts that it is high enough. For total bone thickness, the null hypothesis (H0) claims that the bone thickness in these regions is not wide enough to accommodate most TADs available in the market, while the alternative hypothesis (HA) contends that the bone thickness is adequate for this purpose.

Previous study hypothesis:
The rationale for conducting this study lies in the need to comprehensively evaluate the bone quantity and quality in the alveolar bone regions where temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are commonly applied in orthodontic treatment. By utilizing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning, this research aims to investigate cortical bone thickness and cancellous bone density in the interradicular zones (IZC) and mandibular buccal shelf (MBS) across individuals with diverse demographic and craniofacial characteristics. The primary hypothesis is that cortical bone thickness exceeding 1 mm in the IZC and MBS regions will be adequate to ensure optimal primary stability for TAD placement. Additionally, it is hypothesized that higher cancellous bone density in these regions will further enhance the stability of TADs. Furthermore, this study intends to document overall bone widths to provide insights into the selection of appropriate TAD lengths for different anatomical sites. Overall, this investigation aims to contribute valuable data to the understanding of bone dynamics relevant to orthodontic treatment planning and TAD utilization.
Ethics approval(s)

Not yet submitted 22/02/2024, Territorial Ethics Committee Abruzzo Region (C.Et.R.A.) (Not provided, L'Aquila, 67100, Italy; Not provided; cer@regione.abruzzo.it), ref: Not provided

ConditionEvaluation of bone characteristics for orthodontic mini-implant placement in select patients
InterventionCurrent interventions as of 29/05/2024:
All CBCT records will be processed and analyzed using the open-source medical image processing platform, 3D Slicer v 5.4.0. Since prior studies have demonstrated no significant differences between linear distances and angles assessed with reconstructed lateral cephalogram (RLC) obtained from a CBCT scan and lateral skull teleradiography, 2D images will be derived from each CBCT scan through lateral radiographic projection. The RLCs will be analyzed using the web-based digital cephalometric analysis program, WebCeph version 1.5.0, to define craniofacial patterns, with a focus on the Facial Height Ratio (FHR) or Jarabak's quotient.

To ensure accurate measurements, the DICOM dataset will undergo a re-slicing process to visualize sections more consistent with anatomical symmetry. This involves reorienting the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes using the Transforms module, followed by resampling and realigning the region of interest with the Resample Scalar Volume and Crop modules within the 3D Slicer platform. Measurements will be standardized and oriented using the Transforms Reformat Widget Module.

For the MBS region, spatial reference planes will be positioned to ensure repeatability. The axial plane will be positioned tangent to the furcations of the first and second mandibular molars, the sagittal plane at the center of the dentoalveolar process, and the coronal plane perpendicular to the other two planes. Measurements will be conducted on four coronal slices, two passing through the centers of the mesial and distal roots of the second mandibular molar and two tangential to the proximal surfaces.

For the IZC region, spatial reference planes will also be arranged to ensure consistency. The axial plane will be positioned tangentially at the furcation of the first mandibular molar, the sagittal plane will pass through the furcations of the first and second mandibular molars, and the coronal plane will be perpendicular to the other two planes. Measurements will be taken on five coronal slices, four passing through the mesiobuccal and distobuccal roots of the first and second maxillary molars and one tangential to the point of proximal contact.

Bone thickness and density will be assessed according to established classification systems. The thickness of the cortical bone and the total bone thickness will be measured using the Markups module, while the cancellous bone density will be classified based on grayscale values obtained from the Segment Statistics module within the 3D Slicer platform.

Previous interventions:
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning records will be processed and analyzed using the open-source medical image processing platform, 3D Slicer v 5.4.0. To ensure compatibility with lateral skull teleradiography, 2D images will be derived from each CBCT scan through lateral radiographic projection. The resulting reconstructed lateral cephalograms (RLCs) will be assessed using the web-based digital cephalometric analysis program, WebCeph version 1.5.0, to define craniofacial patterns, with a focus on Facial Height Ratio (FHR) or Jarabak's quotient. Reslicing the DICOM dataset will be performed to enhance anatomical symmetry and reliability of measurements. This will involve reorientation of the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes using the Transforms module, followed by resampling and realignment of the region of interest using the Resample Scalar Volume and Crop modules within the 3D Slicer platform, respectively. Measurements will be standardized and oriented using the Transforms Reformat Widget Module. Spatial reference planes will be positioned in the mandibular buccal segment (MBS) and the interradicular zone (IZC) to ensure repeatability and reliability. Linear measurements of bone thickness will be conducted using the Markups module. For MBS, measurements will be taken on four coronal slices passing through the mesial and distal roots of the second mandibular molar and tangential to the proximal surfaces. Similarly, in the IZC region, measurements will be taken on five coronal slices passing through the mesiobuccal and distobuccal roots of the first and second maxillary molars and tangential to the proximal surfaces. Bone thickness and density will be assessed according to established classification systems. The cancellous bone density will be classified based on grayscale values obtained from the Segment Statistics module within the 3D Slicer platform.
Intervention typeProcedure/Surgery
Primary outcome measureCortical bone thickness in the infrazygomatic crest (IZC) and mandibular buccal shelf (MBS) regions measured using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning at a single timepoint post-scan acquisition
Secondary outcome measures1. Cancellous bone density in the infrazygomatic crest (IZC) and mandibular buccal shelf (MBS) regions measured using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning at a single timepoint post-scan acquisition
2. Overall bone widths (cortical and cancellous) in the IZC and MBS regions measured using CBCT scanning at a single timepoint post-scan acquisition
Overall study start date01/12/2022
Overall study end date01/12/2024

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
SexBoth
Target number of participants84
Participant inclusion criteriaCurrent inclusion criteria as of 29/05/2024:
1. Radiographic examinations (CBCT) performed for orthodontic purposes, prosthetic planning, or orthognathic surgery
2. Patients in good health

Previous inclusion criteria:
1. Radiographic examinations (CBCT) performed for orthodontic purposes
2. Patients between 18 and 50 years of age
3. Patients in good health
Participant exclusion criteriaCurrent exclusion criteria as of 29/05/2024:
1. Radiographic examinations (CBCT) of patients with congenital craniofacial abnormalities (e.g. micrognathia, cleft lip or palate, etc) or syndromes
2. CBCT images with motion artifacts in the region of interest due to patient movement during the scanning process
3. CBCT images with metal artifacts in the region of interest due to the presence of dental implants, amalgam filling, etc.
4. Patients previously undergoing oral rehabilitation with zygomatic implants
5. Patients with a history of fractures in the region of interest
6. Patients with systemic or local pathologies that have an effect on bone metabolism
7. Patients under bisphosphonate therapy

Previous exclusion criteria:
1. Radiographic examinations (CBCT) performed for prosthetic planning or orthognathic surgery
2. CBCT images with motion artefacts due to patient movement during the scanning process
3. CBCT images with metal artefacts due to the presence of dental implants, amalgam filling, etc
4. Patients aged under 18 or over 50
5. Patients previously undergoing oral rehabilitation with zygomatic implants
6. Patients with a history of fractures in the region of interest
7. Patients with congenital craniofacial abnormalities (e.g. micrognathia, cleft lip or palate, etc)
8. Patients with systemic or local pathologies that affect bone metabolism
9. Patients under bisphosphonate therapy
Recruitment start date01/06/2024
Recruitment end date30/09/2024

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • Italy

Study participating centre

Dental Clinic - University of L'Aquila
Via G. Petrini, Building “Rita Levi Montalcini”
L'Aquila
67100
Italy

Sponsor information

University of L'Aquila
University/education

Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1
Coppito
L’Aquila
67100
Italy

Phone +39 0862433652
Email mesva.dir@univaq.it
Website https://www.univaq.it/en/
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/01j9p1r26

Funders

Funder type

University/education

Università degli Studi dell'Aquila
Government organisation / Local government
Alternative name(s)
University of L'Aquila
Location
Italy

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date01/03/2025
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareYes
IPD sharing plan summaryStored in publicly available repository
Publication and dissemination planPlanned publication in a high-impact peer-reviewed journal
IPD sharing planThe datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study will be stored in a publicly available repository. The repository can be accessed via the following link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DlTQWyGkKMkS6kyR1YVb0Lu4QLAe44F9/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107268639835396758852&rtpof=true&sd=true

Type of Data Shared:
Raw data obtained from measurements.

Availability of Data:
The data will be available immediately. As measurements are conducted, they will be added to the case report form. At the conclusion of the study, the data will remain available indefinitely.

Access Criteria:
The data will be accessible for evaluation, analysis, or comparison purposes. There are no specific access criteria; the data will be openly accessible to anyone interested.

Purpose of Data Sharing:
The data will be shared for the purpose of evaluation, analysis, or comparison.

Consent from Participants:
Participants have consented to the sharing of their anonymized data for research purposes.

Data Anonymization:
All data shared will be anonymized to protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants.

Ethical or Legal Restrictions:
There are no ethical or legal restrictions on the sharing of this data.

Other Comments:
The repository will facilitate transparency and reproducibility in research by providing access to the raw data obtained from measurements conducted during the study.

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Participant information sheet 23/02/2024 No Yes
Protocol file 13/02/2024 23/02/2024 No No
Protocol file 25/05/2024 28/05/2024 No No

Additional files

45088_PIS.pdf
45088_Protocol_13Feb2024.pdf
ISRCTN12531499_PROTOCOL_25May24.pdf

Editorial Notes

29/05/2024: The following changes were made to the study record:
1. Protocol/serial number changed from PROTO-2022-12 Rev.6 to PROTO-2022-12 Rev.8.
2. The study hypothesis, interventions, inclusion and exclusion criteria were updated.
3. The recruitment start date was changed from 01/04/2024 to 01/06/2024.
4. The intention to publish date was changed from 01/01/2025 to 01/03/2025.
5. The target number of participants was changed from 54 to 84.
6. The plain English summary was updated accordingly.
28/05/2024: Protocol file uploaded.
26/02/2024: Study's existence confirmed by the Director of Orthodontics Postgraduate Program, University of L'Aquila.