Three-dimensional analysis of natural healing of mandibular bone cavities after cyst enucleation.

Abstract

Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the natural bone healing process in mandibular cystic cavities after enucleation surgery using three-dimensional (3D) analysis. By assessing key indicators, including bone cavity healing percentage, mean reduction in bone cavity radius, and mean bone volume increase, we sought to provide a detailed quantification of postoperative bone regeneration.

Methods: 223 CT records from 84 patients with initial bone cavity volumes exceeding 1000 mm³ were included. 3D mandibular models were generated from the CT scans, and digital software was employed to measure cavity volume, surface area, and anatomical distances. The influence of cyst size, gender, and age on healing outcomes was evaluated at various intervals.

Results: Mandibular bone cavities healed most rapidly during the first three months, shrinking by approximately 1.14 mm/month (IQR: 0.66-1.53 mm/month) while bone volume increased by 0.61 mm/month (IQR: 0.39-1.12 mm/month). By three months, approximately 58.32% (IQR: 37.54-65.87%) of the cavity volume had healed. By 12 months post-operation, cavities were nearly healed with a healing rate of 90.23% (IQR: 80.69-94.45%). Bone accumulation was influenced by gender (P < 0.001), age (P = 0.014), cavity size (P = 0.004), and position (P = 0.029), with cavity shrinkage more significantly affected by the initial cavity size (P = 0.015) and gender (P = 0.004). Newly formed bone contributed to 63.28%(IQR:45.78-83.68%) of the total healing.

Conclusions: This study offers a comprehensive 3D evaluation of mandibular bone healing after cyst enucleation. Both bone formation and cavity shrinkage were key components of healing.

Clinical relevance: The study provides valuable insights for monitoring postoperative recovery and predicting bone healing.