Accuracy of linear measurements performed with two different software in cone-beam computed tomography scans of dry human mandibles

Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the accuracy of linear measurements performed with two different CBCT software .(Romexis® software and ONDEMAND 3 D software).
Methods: The sample consisted of 15 human mandibles marked with radiopaque markers of gutta-percha balls (size 80, 1.5 mm long) which were glued on the marked anatomical landmarks with cyanoacrylate gel, ten linear measurements were conducted on the dry mandibles using digital caliper to provide gold standard meaurments.The mandibles were scanned by using Planmeca ProMax 3D Mid and images exported into digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM) format to a DVD then imported in to two software programs.The same ten linear measurements were conducted on the scanned images by using measure length tool of both romexis and Ondemand software programs.
Results: Intra-examiner reliability of gold standard and image measurements were found to be excellent, Inter-examiner reliability of physical and Romexis® software was found to be excellent (ICC>0.9) and the Inter-examiner reliability of physical and ONDEMAND 3 D software was found to be poor (ICC <0.5)
Conclusions: Romexis® software is more reliable method for planning surgical procedure in the dental practice than ONDEMAND 3 D software.
Keywords: Linear measurements, CBCT, dry mandible and software programs.