Study on bone healing process following cyst enucleation using fractal analysis

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Bone regeneration of cystic defects of the jaws after a cyst treatment requires lengthy healing periods. Generally, the bony changes are observed periodically through a visual radiographic reading as well as by the clinical opinion and radiographic images (panorama, periapical view), but it is difficult to compare the objective bony changes using only the radiographic density. In addition, it is difficult to observe minute bony changes through a visual radiographic reading, which can lead to a subjective judgment. This study exmined the bone density after the enucleation of a jaw cyst by fractal analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with a cystic lesion on the jaw were assessed. Panoramic radiographs were taken preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after cyst enucleation. The images were analyzed by fractal analysis. RESULTS: The mean fractal dimensions increased immediately after surgery and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The postoperative 6 and 12 months fractal dimension was similar to the controls. CONCLUSION: Fractal analysis was used to overcome the limit of a subjective reading during an assessment of bone regeneration after cyst enucleation.