Relationship between two-dimensional and three-dimensional bone architecture in predicting the mechanical strength of the pig mandible.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) bone imaging parameters.

STUDY DESIGN: Bone specimens were obtained from the mandibles of five male pigs weighing around 110 kg each. A total of 111 samples were measured two-dimensionally with using solid state digital intraoral radiography. Of these 111 samples, 43 were selected for 3D analysis and measured by microcomputed tomography. Through destructive mechanical testing, strength parameters were obtained.

RESULTS: Correlations between the 2D and 3D parameters were rare; however, both 2D and 3D parameters separately showed significant correlations with strength. Multiple linear regression analyses using both 2D and 3D parameters together showed greater predictability than those using only 2D or only 3D parameters.

CONCLUSION: Architectural parameters in 2D and 3D independently affect trabecular strength; the combination of the two can be used to improve bone strength predictability.