Dry Human Skulls Research Articles

Morphometric study of foramen magnum and its correlation with cranial morphometry in dry human skulls of north India

Morphometric study of foramen magnum and its correlation with cranial morphometry in dry human skulls of north India

Laser Scanning Morphometric Measurements of the Main Orbital Communications in Dry Human Skulls

Background and Objectives: This research investigated the morphometric dimensions of the optic foramen (OF), superior orbital fissure (SOF) and inferior orbital fissure (IOF), using indirect measurement techniques such as laser scanning, making it likely the first study of its kind. This study aimed to identify the morphometric variability of the main orbit communications and to highlight the differences between genders. Materials and Methods: The anthropometric study was conducted on sixty dry skulls (120 orbits) of adults aged between 20 and 70 years. Measurements of orbital communications were made using the RS6 laser scanner. The orbital parameters that were investigated are as follows: length and width of the SOF and IOF, and height and width of the OF. Results: In males, the average height of the OF was 8.27 mm and 8.13 mm in females, while the average width of the OF was 6.34 mm in males and 5.83 mm in females. The SOF average length was 21.09 mm in males and 17.58 mm in females. The widths of the SOF in the three thirds (anterior, middle and posterior) in males were 5.14/4.77/7.11 mm and 2.28/3.48/5.80 mm in females. The average length of the IOF was 33.05 mm in males and 32.30 mm in females. The widths of the IOF in the three thirds (anterior, middle and posterior) were 5.61/3.92/4.70 mm in males and 7.24/4.68/4.08 mm in females. Conclusions: The OF height and width were higher in males compared to females. The SOF length and width were higher in males compared to females. The IOF length was higher in males for the right orbit and higher in females for the left orbit. The IOF width for both orbits was higher in females in the anterior and middle third, and higher for males in the posterior third. Evaluation of dry skulls using laser scanning is reliable and recommended for data accuracy. Laser scanning can become a usable method for all indented and hard-to-reach regions of the cranial skeleton.

Morphometry of the Foramen Ovale in Adult Human Skulls from a Clinical Perspective.

The foramen ovale is present in the posterior part of the greater wing of sphenoid. A trauma or space-occupying lesion in this area would result in clinical manifestations due to compression of the structures passing through it. This study was undertaken because of the clinical significance of the foramen ovale in radiological and neurological procedures. The aim is to study the morphometry of the foramen ovale and its bilateral variations. Fifty adult dry human skulls of unknown age and sex were studied. The shape of the foramen ovale (FO), presence of accessory foramina or abnormal bony outgrowths, if any, were noted. Maximum length and width of FO were measured. The foramen ovale was present bilaterally in all 50 skulls. Accessory foramen was present in 17 (34%) and 13 (26%) skulls on the right and left side, respectively. Bony out growths were present in 9 (18%) and 15 (30%) skulls on the right and the left side, respectively. Understanding the exact topography, morphometry and variations of the FO is required to enable the clinician to correctly interpret radiographs and help in planning the surgical procedures. The findings presented here should be taken into account when neurological procedures of the middle cranial fossa are performed.

A study on morphometry of cranium and its index in dry human skulls of north India

A study on morphometry of cranium and its index in dry human skulls of north India

Foramen Magnum: Morphometric Analysis in Dry Adult Human Skulls

Abstract Background: Foramen magnum (FM) is a crucial aperture situated in the occipital bone and connects the brain to the spinal cord. Its size and dimensions are crucial in understanding a range of disorders, with implications for clinical, surgical, radiological, and forensic fields. We undertook the present study to analyze the morphometry of FM in detail and to compare this data with other similar studies. Methodology: This study analyzed 51 dry human skulls from Northern India of unspecified gender. Morphometric assessments of the FM were conducted, encompassing measurements of its shape, anteroposterior diameter (APD), transverse diameter (TD), FM index (FMI), size, and surface area using digital Vernier calipers. Minimum, maximum, and mean values and standard deviations (SDs) were calculated for each parameter. A comparison with previous studies was conducted. Results: The study established that the most common shape of FM as calculated by the ratio of AP diameter to TD was round (58.8% of specimens) and the majority of FM (41.1%) were narrow according to Martin and Saller classification. Mean APD was 33.71 ± 2.53, and TD was 27.88 ± 1.92; AP diameter was significantly greater than TD (P < 0.05). FMI ranged from 70.54 to 93.55 (mean: 82.92 and SD: 5.63). The mean surface area as calculated by Teixeira’s method was higher compared to Radinsky’s formula; 747.51 ± 96.25 mm2 and 739.93 ± 94.85 mm2, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.68). Conclusion: This study furnishes data on detailed morphometry of FM, a complete knowledge of which is essential for planning surgical procedures for optimal preoperative and postoperative results. It provides an objective definition of the FM’s morphology and highlights the ambiguous role of visual assessment which needs to be reconsidered. The comparison of present morphometric data with other national and international studies further highlights the ethnic and genetic variation of FM.

FORAMEN MAGNUM – A STUDY ON ITS MORPHOMETRY AMONG THE SOUTH INDIAN POPULATION

Objective: Foramen magnum is an oval opening present in the median region of the posterior cranial fossa of the occipital bone. The lower end of the medulla, meninges, spinal arteries, and spinal roots of accessory nerve pass through the foramen. Morphometry of the foramen magnum is studied for better learning of the structure, but this study helps in planning a safe surgery and exploration in the head-and-neck region. Various surgical approaches of the foramen provide access to the foramina on the base of the skull and prevent broad retraction of the neurovascular structures passing through them, so the morphometric study plays an important role in transcondylar approach. Methods: Fifty dry human skulls available in the Department of Anatomy, Amala Medical College and Hospital, and also at Jubilee Medical College and Hospital, Thrissur were studied for this research work, and results were statistically analyzed. Results: The most common shape of the foramen magnum was oval, the mean of anteroposterior diameter was greater than the mean of transverse diameter, p-value of the diameters was found to be significant, p-value of the mean of foramen magnum index was significant. Conclusion: This study will help the surgeons to effectively plan a surgery at the head and neck site

Design of a simplified cranial substitute with a modal behavior close to that of a human skull.

Individuals exposed to the propagation of shock waves generated by the detonation of explosive charges may suffer Traumatic Brain Injury. The mechanism of cranial deflection is one of many hypotheses that could explain the observed brain damage. To investigate this physical phenomenon in a reproducible manner, a new simplified cranial substitute was designed with a mechanical response close to that of a human skull when subjected to this type of loading. As a first step, a Finite Element Model was employed to dimension the new substitute. The objective was indeed to obtain a vibratory behavior close to that of a dry human skull over a wide range of frequencies up to 10kHz. As a second step, the Finite Element Model was used together with Experimental Modal Analyses to identify the vibration modes of the substitute. A shaker excited the structure via a metal rod, while a laser vibrometer recorded the induced vibrations at defined measurement points. The results showed that despite differences in material properties and geometry, the newly developed substitute has 10/13 natural frequencies in common with those of dry human skulls. When filled with a simulant of cerebral matter, it could therefore be used in future studies as an approximation to assess the mechanical response of a simplified skull substitute to a blast threat.

Morphological analysis of the jugular foramen in dry human skulls in northeastern Brazil.

The jugular foramen (JF) is located between the temporal and occipital bones. The JF is a primary pathway for venous outflow from the skull and passage of nerves. Variations are common in this region and may have clinical and surgical implications. To analyze the sexual dimorphism and JF morphology in skulls from Northeastern Brazil. 128 human skulls from the Anatomy Laboratory of the Federal University of Paraíba, 64 male and 64 female, were selected and the JFs analyzed for bone septation and the presence of a dome. Data analysis considered P<0.05 as significant. On at least one side, complete septation was observed in 26 skulls (20.3%), incomplete septation in 93 skulls (72.6%) and 61 skulls (47.6%) did not present septation. In 114 skulls (89%), 47.6% female and 41.4% male, have a unilateral presence of the dome and 71 (55.4%) have it bilaterally. Posterolateral compartment diameters and JF area had higher values on the right side in the total sample and separated by sex (P<0.05). Most morphometric variables of the anteromedial compartment were higher in male than in female (P<0.05), fact that was not observed in the posterolateral compartment (P>0.05). This study showed a higher prevalence of complete septation in males compared to females. Morphometric analysis presented a peculiar morphology of the JF in this study. These results suggests that the surgical approach to diseases that affect the JF may be peculiar to the studied population, confirming the importance of morphological analysis of the skull base.

Morphometric Evaluation of Sutural Patterns at the Pterion and Asterion in Dry Indian Skulls: Surgical Relevance.

The pterion and asterion serve as crucial landmarks on the skull, representing the antero-lateral and postero-lateral fontanelles in neonates, respectively. In clinical practice, these points play a pivotal role in guiding the understanding of deeper structures and their relationships to the head's surface. The thin calvarium at these junctures is susceptible to fractures, and the underlying vessels are prone to tear, often leading to extradural hematoma formation, necessitating burr hole surgery for evacuation. The study involved 40 human dry skulls in Indians (n= 27 male (10.8%), n= 13 female (5.2%)) of unknown age, evaluating morphometric characteristics of 80 pterions and asterions. Measurements were conducted using a digital caliper (SKADIOO±0.2mm/0.01") in millimeters on both sides of each skull. The investigation also included an examination of sutural patterns in Pterion and asterion. Three types of sutural patterns were identified in the pterion, the most common being the sphenoparietal variety (75% on the right, 70% on the left), followed by the epipteric variety, which was the second most common (11.3% on the right, 12.5% on the left), and then the frontotemporal type (1.3% on the right, 2.5% on the left). Two sutural patterns were observed in the asterion: type 1 (presence of sutural bone) in 17.9% of skulls and type 2 (absence of sutural bone) in 82.1%. The differences in pterion and asterion positions across various populations explored in previous studies motivated us to conduct this research in the Indian population. Our findings revealed that among Indians, the predominant pterion type is predominantly sphenoparietal, whereas type 2 is the most prevalent in asterion. Understanding the clinical significance of the pterion and asterion is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure precise and safe surgical procedures, particularly for the effective treatment of head trauma patients.

A Cross-sectional Study of Wormian Bones in the Cranium: Exploring their Clinical Significance and Diagnostic Implications

Introduction: Wormian Bones (WBs) are small, irregularly shaped ossicles often located within the cranial sutures and at the fontanelles, with the majority found in the lambdoid sutures. They result from the formation of abnormal ossification centres in the cranium that develop through an unknown mechanism. Clinically, Significant Wormian bones (SWBs) are defined as bones arranged in a general mosaic-like pattern with a size larger than 6×4 mm; for pathological significance, more than 10 such SWBs should be present. Aim: To study the incidence of WBs in various sutures of human dry skulls and to investigate the incidence of the metopic suture and Inca bone in human dry skulls. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Government Doon Medical College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, from January 2024 to May 2024. In the present study, 38 dried adult human skulls of unknown age and sex were examined for the presence, number and location of WBs, the metopic suture, and the Inca bone in various sutures of the skull. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and results were expressed in terms of incidence. Results: Wormian bones were present in 21 (55.26%) skulls, while 17 (44.74%) had no WBs. One (0.27%) skull had a metopic suture, and 1 (0.27%) skull had an Inca bone. Pathologically significant WBs were not found in any of the skulls examined. Conclusion: The overall incidence of WBs is 55.26%, while the incidences of the metopic suture and Inca bone are both 2.63%. Thus, WBs may mimic a cranial fracture, leading to misdiagnosis, which could delay or alter treatment. Additionally, some WBs may be lost during putrefaction, giving the appearance of an entry/exit gunshot wound in postmortem cases.

Morphological and Morphometric Study of Greater Palatine Foramen in Dry Skulls of Eastern Indian Population

Abstract Background: Greater palatine foramen (GPF) transmits important neurovascular structures which may get injured during different operative procedures such as intraoral maxillary nerve block, cleft palate repair, and operative procedures involving maxillary sinus and maxillary molars. Hence, proper knowledge about the GPF is very essential. The aim of this study was to study the shape of GPF and its location in relation to molar tooth, measure the diameters of GPF, and measure the distances of GPF from different landmarks of palate. Methodology: A dry bone-based study was conducted on dry human skulls of Eastern Indian population using digital Vernier caliper. At first location of GPF in relation to maxillary molars was noted, followed by anteroposterior (AP) and transverse diameter of GPF and distance of GPF from incisive fossa, posterior border of hard palate (PBHP) and interpalatine suture was measured. Results: In 69.64% of cases, GPF was present medial to the maxillary molar tooth and most common shape is oval type which is found in 44.64% of cases. AP diameter was almost same in both the sides which is 5.13 mm in average and transverse diameter is 2.91 mm. The mean distance of GPF from incisive fossa, PBHP, and interpalatine suture (IPS) is as follows in sequence, 37.24 mm, 3.21 mm, and 13.68 mm. Conclusion: The findings from the present study can be used as a guide for locating GPF during different operative procedures such as palatal reconstruction in cleft palate, maxillary surgeries, and intraoral maxillary nerve block. GPF is located about 3 mm in front of PBHP, most commonly medial to the third maxillary molar, about 15 mm lateral to IPS in the present study among Eastern Indian population.

Anatomical variations of the zygomaticofacial foramen and its related canal through the zygomatico-orbital and zygomaticotemporal foramina in dry human skulls.

The aim of this study is to reveal the location of the zygomaticofacial foramina, the variations of their numbers, and their connections between the zygomatico-orbital and zygomaticotemporal foramina. Ethics committee approval of our study was received by the Istanbul Medical Faculty Clinical Research Ethics Committee (date:30.07.2021, number:358356). 171 zygomatic bones of unknown gender from the Department of Anatomy, Istanbul University, were included in this study. The number of zygomaticofacial foramina and their connections with the zygomatico-orbital foramen and the zygomaticotemporal foramina were examined. Also, the morphometric distances between the zygomaticofacial foramen were calculated. Evaluation of the data was done with SPPS v.21. The number of zygomaticofacial foramina was found as 299. It was found single, double, three, four, five and six foramina, in 52 (30.4%), 52 (30.4%), 24 (14.03%), 10 (5.85%), 5 (2.93%), 1 (0.58%) zygomatic bone, respectively. Zygomaticofacial foramen was absent in 27 (15.8%) bones. Of these 299 foramina, 129 were found to be connected with zygomatico-orbital foramen and 23 with zygomaticotemporal foramen. It was noted that 147 zygomaticofacial foramina had no connection with any foramina. The distances between the zygomaticofacial foramen and the frontozygomatic suture, temporal process, maxillary process, the lowest point of the zygomatic bone, and orbital rim were found as 25.30 ± 2.81mm, 18.74 ± 3.56mm, 21.56 ± 4.16mm, 18.72 ± 2.57mm, 6.67 ± 3.27mm, respectively. Consequently, the location and variations of ZFF are of great importance for maxillofacial surgery and regional block anesthesia. Knowing its location and variations will help prevent complications during any surgical intervention in this region.

Accuracy of facial skeletal surfaces segmented from CT and CBCT radiographs

The accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) facial skeletal surface models derived from radiographic volumes has not been extensively investigated yet. For this, ten human dry skulls were scanned with two Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) units, a CT unit, and a highly accurate optical surface scanner that provided the true reference models. Water-filled head shells were used for soft tissue simulation during radiographic imaging. The 3D surface models that were repeatedly segmented from the radiographic volumes through a single-threshold approach were used for reproducibility testing. Additionally, they were compared to the true reference model for trueness measurement. Comparisons were performed through 3D surface approximation techniques, using an iterative closest point algorithm. Differences between surface models were assessed through the calculation of mean absolute distances (MAD) between corresponding surfaces and through visual inspection of facial surface colour-coded distance maps. There was very high reproducibility (approximately 0.07 mm) and trueness (0.12 mm on average, with deviations extending locally to 0.5 mm), and no difference between radiographic scanners or settings. The present findings establish the validity of lower radiation CBCT imaging protocols at a similar level to the conventional CT images, when 3D surface models are required for the assessment of facial morphology.

A study on the morphology and morphometry of foramen ovale in dry human skulls

An oval shape foramen is present in the greater wing of sphenoid through which passes the many vital structures. It is located at the transitional area between intracranial and extracranial structures. It is important for diagnostic and surgical procedures. A total 100 skulls were used for the study. 82 skulls were studied and 18 skulls were excluded from the study. The skulls were collected from Phase I MBBS students from different medical colleges in south India. Skulls in poor conditions or skulls with partly damaged surroundings of the foramen ovale were not considered. Maximum length and width of foramen ovale was measured using digital Vernier calliper. Also, the distance from the anterior root of zygoma and the distance from the articular tubercle on zygomatic arch to foramen ovale were measured. Variation in right and left side were calculated, the variations in shape also recorded. The mean length of foramen ovale was 6.8 ±1 and the mean breath of foramen ovale was 3.65±1. Two-sample independent t test showed significant difference between the right and left breadths of foramen ovale (p 0.0126), while the right and left lengths of foramen ovale were not significant (p 0.245). The mean distance of foramen ovale from articular tubercle on Zygomatic arch was 33±2 mm. The mean distance from anterior root of Zygomatic arch was 21.5 ± 2.1 mm. The present study concludes that there is significant difference between sizes of right and left side foramen ovale. Foramen ovale has practical significance to both neurosurgical and functional cranial neuroanatomy as it provides transcutaneous approaches to the skull base especially in cases of trigeminal neuralgia, as the Gasserion ganglion can be approached through it.

Ambient light exposure of photostimulable phosphor plates: is there a safe limit for acceptable image quality?

To subjectively assess radiographs obtained with photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plates exposed to clinical levels of ambient light prior to read-out to potentially set a safe limit for acceptable image quality. Six dental regions of a dry human skull were X-rayed using PSP plates from VistaScan and Express under four exposure times: 0.1, 0.2, 0.32, and 0.4 s. Before read-out, the PSP plates were exposed to ambient light for 0, 5, 10, 30, 60, and 90 s. Six observers were asked to classify the 288 resulting radiographs as acceptable or unacceptable based on the identification of anatomical structures and global image quality. The number of answers classifying radiographs as unacceptable was used to calculate a rejection rate; a pairwise comparison for better image quality was further conducted among radiographs considered acceptable. Reproducibility was tested by having 25% of all experimental groups reassessed. Intra- and interobserver agreement ranged from 0.87 to 1.00 and from 0.81 to 0.92, respectively. Exposure of PSP plates to ambient light increased rejection rates mostly as of 10 s. In the pairwise comparison, subtle differences were observed between radiographs obtained with PSP plates not exposed and those exposed to ambient light for 5 s. Ambient light exposure of PSP plates impairs the image quality of radiographs. A safe limit of ambient light exposure of 5 s for VistaScan and Express should be considered. Ambient light exposure of PSP plates within safe limits can avoid retakes and reduce unnecessary patient exposure to X-rays.

Macromorphoscopic study of the orbital cavities of human dry skulls for sex estimation

Sex estimation was analyzed from the orbital cavities of 304 dry skulls (148 female and 156 male), which were classified as rectangular, circular, and rhomboid. Logistic regression was performed to estimate the probability of the orbital cavity belonging to males or females. In decreasing order, there was a higher occurrence of rectangular, rhomboid, and circular shapes. The estimation of sex resulted in an overall percentage of correctness of 59.9%. The left orbital cavity presented a significant p-value, but the chance of the characteristics of this orbital cavity being considered as predictors for sex was only 0.64 times higher. The morphology of the orbital cavity can provide information for the elaboration of the biological profile. However, studies are still needed to allow the possible use of its anatomy to estimate sex in the Brazilian population.

Comparative Evaluation of a Lower-Dose CBCT Acquisition Protocol for Preoperative Implant Site Assessment in Dry Human Skulls: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Restoration of edentulous sites with dental implants is increasingly becoming a popular choice. Cross-sectional 3-dimensional imaging using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides a better depiction of the implant site to help the clinician plan the procedure better. In spite of the advantages, radiation dose will always remain a concern. The evolution of lower-dose protocols is ongoing, but whether those acquisition protocols yield comparable diagnostic information is still not well established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of a low-dose, 180° rotational CBCT acquisition protocol for evaluating a potential implant site in comparison with a conventional 360° rotational acquisition. Ten dentate and partially edentulous dry human skulls providing 82 randomized implant sites-40 in the maxilla and 42 in the mandible-were chosen for this study. Each skull was imaged using a 360° and a 180° rotational acquisition on a J. Morita Accuitomo CBCT scanner. Evaluation of cortical and trabecular bone, height, width, and proximity to critical structures, such as the inferior alveolar nerve canal and the maxillary sinus, were measured. An oral surgeon and an oral radiologist rated the diagnostic efficacy of the scans by evaluating the above characteristics. Statistical evaluation of the data with linear regression showed significant agreement between both protocol measurements. Kappa analyses yielded a good interobserver agreement. In this proof-of-concept study, CBCT imaging using the lower-dose, modified arc, and 180° acquisition protocol shows comparable results to the conventional 360° protocol for preoperative implant assessment.

Influence of a Metal Artifact Reduction Filter on the Diagnostic Accuracy of Complete and Incomplete Vertical Root Fractures

IntroductionThis study aimed to assess the influence of the e-vol DX BAR filter on the diagnostic accuracy of complete and incomplete vertical root fractures (VRFs). MethodsTwenty single-rooted teeth were selected. The tooth crowns were removed, and the root canals were prepared up to a 40/.06 instrument (ProTaper Next). Each specimen was scanned in a Prexion 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) device, in a dry human skull, in 4 different situations: no root canal filling, gutta-percha, fiberglass post, and metal post. The specimens were fractured in a universal testing machine by using a customized wedge. Each specimen was reinspected to confirm the presence of incomplete VRFs. Another set of CBCT scans was performed. Then, the fractures were completed in the universal testing machine, the teeth were reinspected, and the CBCT images were acquired again. Images were assessed by using the e-Vol DX software system, with the BAR filter and with the original images, for the diagnosis of VRFs. Statistical analysis was performed by using the DeLong and McNemar tests for the comparison of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values. ResultsThe use of the BAR filter did not improve the diagnostic values of AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in both fracture patterns (P > .05). Incomplete VRFs presented significantly lower AUC, accuracy, and sensitivity compared with complete VRFs (P < .0001). ConclusionsThe BAR filter did not improve the diagnostic accuracy of VRFs. The intracanal materials also did not influence the diagnosis. Incomplete VRFs were highly associated with a decrease in sensitivity.

Exploring the Validity of an Optoelectronic Integrated Cone Beam Computed Tomography Jaw Tracking System.

Jaw motion tracking functionalities of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-scanners can visualize, record, and analyze movements of the mandible. In this explorative study, the validity of the 4D-Jaw Motion module (4D-JM) of the ProMax 3D Mid CBCT scanner (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland) was tested in vitro. The validity of the 4D-JM was accepted if values differed less than 0.6 mm (three voxels sizes) from the gold standard. Three dry human skulls were used. CBCT scans, the gold standard, were taken in eight jaw positions and exported as three-dimensional (3D) models. Individualized 3D-printed dental wafers ensured the correct positioning of the mandible. Jaw positions were recorded with the 4D-JM tracking device and exported as 3D models. The coordinates of six reference points for both superimposed 3D models were obtained. The differences in the x, y and z-axis and the corresponding vector differences between gold standard 3D models and 4D-JM models were calculated. For the mandible 10% and for the maxilla 90% of the vector differences fell within 0.6 mm of the gold standard. With an increasing vertical jaw opening, larger differences between the gold standard and the 4D-JM 3D models were found. The smallest differences of the mandible were observed on the x axis. In this study, the 4D-JM validity was not acceptable by the authors' predefined standards.

Comparative evaluation of a lower dose CBCT acquisition protocol for preoperative implant site assessment in dry human skulls.

Restoration of edentulous sites with dental implants is increasingly becoming a popular choice. Cross-sectional 3D imaging using CBCT provides a superior view of the implant site to help the clinician plan the procedure better. In spite of the advantages, radiation dose remains a concern. The evolution of lower dose protocols is ongoing but whether those acquisition protocols yield comparable diagnostic information is still not well established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of a low dose, 180˚ rotational CBCT acquisition protocol for evaluating a potential implant site in comparison with a conventional 360˚ rotational acquisition. Ten dentate and partially edentulous dry human skulls were chosen for this study. Each skull was imaged using a 360˚ and a 180˚ rotational acquisition on a J. Morita's Accuitomo CBCT scanner. 82 randomized implant sites, 40 in the maxilla and 42 in the mandible were analyzed. Evaluation of cortical and trabecular bone, proximity to crucial structures such as the inferior alveolar nerve canal and the maxillary sinus, and width of the potential placement site were measured. An oral surgeon and an oral radiologist rated the diagnostic efficacy of the scans by evaluating the above characteristics. Statistical evaluation of the data with linear regression showed significant agreement between both protocol measurements. Kappa analyses yielded a good inter-observer agreement. In this ex-vivo study, there was no significant difference in both the qualitative and quantitate evaluation between the conventional 36 0˚ acquisition protocol and the modified lower dose 180˚ rotational protocol.