Early detection of osteogenesis in jaw cyst surgery: the diagnostic value of SPECT/CT compared to CBCT.

BACKGROUND

Early detection of bone regeneration following surgical enucleation of jaw cysts is critical for timely clinical intervention. This study investigates the diagnostic value of Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography utilizing 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (bone SPECT) in monitoring early osteogenesis compared to Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Forty-three patients who underwent cyst enucleation were evaluated preoperatively and one month postoperatively using CBCT and bone SPECT. CBCT examination is performed 3 months postoperatively. If no new bone formation is observed, CBCT examinations are repeated at 6 months and 12 months postoperatively, with the final CBCT result taken as the reference. Lesion volume and grayscale values were measured using CBCT, while bone SPECT was used to assess osteogenic activity.

RESULTS

At one month, no significant differences in grayscale values or lesion volume were observed (P > 0.05). However, by three months, grayscale values significantly increased (P < 0.05), and lesion volume decreased (P < 0.05). Bone SPECT findings at 1 month corresponded with CBCT findings obtained 3 months or more after surgery(Kappa = 0.896, P < 0.05), with 83.3% specificity and 100% sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Bone SPECT/CT demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for the early detection of osteogenesis, particularly during the early postoperative phase when CBCT is less informative. It may offer clinically valuable guidance for postoperative management.