Analysis of the Width of Vertical Root Fracture in Endodontically Treated Teeth by 2 Micro-Computed Tomography Systems

作者：Huang Chih Chia; Chang Ya Chi; Chuang Meng Che; Lin Hsueh Jen; Tsai Yi Ling; Chang Shu Hui; Chen Jyh Cheng; Jeng Jiiang Huei^*

来源：Journal of Endodontics, 2014, 40(5): 698-702.

DOI：10.1016/j.joen.2013.12.015

• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)
• endodontically treated teeth
• micro-computed tomography (mu-CT)
• vertical root fracture (VRF)

Introduction: Early detection of vertical root fracture (VRF) is important for clinical endodontic practice. The purpose of this study was to measure the fracture width (distance between 2 sides of the fracture) of VRF teeth in vitro by using 2 micro computed tomography (mu-CT) systems with different spatial resolution and voxel size. Methods: Thirty-seven endodontically treated teeth with VRF were scanned by 80-mu m pixel size mu-CT. Fifteen teeth with no obvious fracture line, blurred image, or fracture space less than 100 Am were scanned by 9-mu m pixel size mu-CT. Results: Presence of 2 VRF lines was more common in premolars (82%) than in molars (53%). In 7 premolars (32%) and 9 molars (60%), the VRF lines extended to within the apical 3 mm of the root. All fracture lines were detected by 9-mu m pixel size mu-CT, but only 22 of 37 VRF teeth had vertical fracture identified by 80-mu m mu-CT. From mu-CT examination, none of the fracture lines showed consistent and uniform fracture space. If 2 fracture lines were present, they were typically in opposite (not linear) directions. There was a significant correlation between 2 fracture lines or fracture lines extending within the 3 mm of the apex and fracture width greater than 100 Am. Conclusions: Application of 9-mu m mu-CT can be accurately used for early detection of VRF. Fracture characteristics (eg, number of fracture lines, extension of fracture line) may affect the fracture width. Appropriate use of mu-CT technology can be helpful for early diagnosis of VRF.

• 出版日期2014-5