Patient-specific estimation of the bone graft volume needed for maxillary sinus floor elevation: a radiographic study using cone-beam computed tomography

To develop prediction models for estimating the bone-graft volume needed for sinus floor elevation (SFE) based on the augmentation site, elevation height, and sinus width using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

CBCT scans with a medium-to-large field-of-view with bilateral maxillary sinuses partially/entirely visible, acquired from February 2016 to October 2020, were initially screened. Ten defined regions, above the maxillary first (MM₁) and second molar (MM₂) sites, in the sinuses of the included CBCTs were semi-automatically segmented, and the volumes of the regions were automatically measured using the ITK-SNAP program. The sinus widths at the height ranging between 8 and 16 mm from the sinus floor were measured at the MM₁ to MM₂ sites, respectively. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to establish prediction models for estimating the bone graft volume needed for SFE at the MM₁ and/or MM₂ sites with the sinus width and elevation height as predictors.

A total of 133 scans (224 sinuses) were included. Three developed prediction models, composed of the sinus width and elevation height, explained 89–91% of the variation in the bone graft volumes estimated for SFE at the MM₁, MM₂, and MM₁-MM₂ sites. The mean absolute deviations and absolute percentage deviations between the measured and predicted volumes ranged from 0.12 to 0.28cm³ and from 9.78 to 10.62%, respectively.

The proposed prediction models may enable more patient-specific estimation of the bone graft volume needed for SFE.

Clinical relevance.

The proposed prediction models could facilitate the preparation of an adequate amount of bone graft material and patient-clinician communication about the cost of bone graft material.