Analysis of cervical bone mineral density in children and adolescents using cone beam computed tomography combined with liquid phantoms

To describe cervical bone mineral density (BMD) in children and adolescents using Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) combined with K2HPO4 liquid phantoms. Children and adolescents aged 7-19 years who underwent CBCT for orthodontic treatment in our imaging department between January 2023 and June 2023 were selected. The CT values of the second (C2) and third (C3) cervical vertebrae were measured using the software supplied with the CBCT. K2HPO4 liquid phantoms were prepared according to standard protocols and scanned monthly. Regression equations were established between BMD values and CT values. The BMD values of C2 and C3 were then calculated and subsequently analyzed. A total of 455 children and adolescents participated in the study. The BMD values for females were found to be significantly higher than those for males across all age groups (P < 0.05). When comparing the BMD values between C2 and C3, a statistically significant difference was observed (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there were notable variations in the BMD values of C3 among females across different age groups (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were detected in the BMD values of C2 overall or in the BMD values of C3 among males across no significant differences were detected across different age groups (P > 0.05). The results of this study provide reference values for BMD of C2 and C3 using CBCT combined with liquid phantoms. These reference values, obtained from healthy individuals, enable the assessment of BMD for systemic bone metabolism, orthodontics, implants, and tooth extraction, providing significant economic and social benefits.