Cone beam computed tomography for the diagnosis of vertical root fractures: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis

Abstract

The aim of this review was to compare the efficiency of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and conventional intraoral radiography for the detection of vertical root fractures (VRFs). Data from comparative and noncomparative studies investigating CBCT, conventional radiography, or both for the diagnosis of VRFs were searched. The main outcome variables were sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the techniques. Data were separated into 4 groups: in vivo, ex vivo/untreated teeth, ex vivo/treated teeth, and ex vivo with post. The weighted mean of each parameter was estimated. Twelve articles were considered for the analysis. There was a large heterogeneity of the characteristics of the studies and a wide variability in outcome variables. No significant differences were found between radiographic techniques. No superiority of CBCT compared with conventional radiography was found for VRF detection. Adequate choice of voxel size seems to be important when diagnosing VRFs.