determination of vertical interproximal bone loss topography: correlation between indirect digital radiographic measurement and clinical measurement

background diagnosis and accuracy in determining the exact location, extent and configuration of bony defects of the jaw are of utmost importance to determine prognosis, treatment planning and long-term preservation of teeth. if relatively accurate diagnosis can be established by radiography, proper treatment planning prior to treatment procedures will be possible. objectives the aim of the present study was to assess the correlation between indirect digital radiographic measurements and clinical measurements in determining the topography of interproximal bony defects. patients and methods twenty interproximal bony defects, preferably in the mandibular and maxillary 5↔5 area were selected and radiographed using the parallel periapical technique. the radiographs were corrected and digitized on a computer using “linear measurement” software; then the three parameters of the base of defect (bd), alveolar crest (ac) and cementoenamel junction (cej) were determined using a software. subsequent to radiographic measurements, clinical measurements were carried out meticulously during flap procedures. then linear measurements were carried out using a periodontal probe to determine the defect depth and its mesiodistal width. then the amount of correlation between these two measurements was assessed by pearson's correlation coefficient. results the correlation between clinical and radiographic measurements in defect depth determination, in the evaluation of defect angle and in determination of defect width were 88%, 98% and 90%, respectively. conclusions indirect digital radiographic technique can be used to diagnose intra-osseous defects, providing a better opportunity to treat bony defects.