Comparative radiologic study of bone density and cortical thickness of donor bone used in mandibular reconstruction

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the total cancellous bone d ensity, bone-implant interface density, and cortical thickness of 6 donor b one types commonly used in oral and maxillofacial reconstruction. Methods. A total of 120 bones from 20 Korean adults-including iliac bones, fibulas, cranial bones, scapulas, ribs, and clavicles-were selected. The im plant recipient site was determined by the shape, contour, and anatomical l imitations of the bones. The serial cross-sectional images of each bone wer e then acquired through computed tomography. Total cancellous bone density, bone-implant interface density around the imaginary implant fixture, and t he cortical thickness along both sides of the imaginary fixture on each cro ss-sectional image were evaluated and compared. Results. The cancellous bone density of each donor bone type had a statisti cally significant difference. The cranial bone showed the highest cancellou s bone density, followed by the iliac bone, clavicle, scapula, rib, and fib ula (P<.05). The bone-implant interface density of the cranial bone, clavic le, fibula, and scapula each belonged to the same Duncan's group, whereas t he rib and iliac bone showed lower bone-implant interface density. In avera ge cortical thickness, the scapula and fibula had a thicker cortex Surround ing the imaginary implant than the other bones, and the rib had the thinnes t cortex. Conclusion. Although more extensive testing is needed to explain the clinic al implications of these results, the findings of this study may help clini cians choose the most appropriate donor bone.