Feasibility of micro-CT and Raman spectroscopic characterization of human jaw bone regenerated with particulate cancellous bone and marrow

Abstract

Abstract Jaw reconstruction using autogenous particulate cancellous bone and marrow (PCBM) is widely performed; however, objectively evaluating regenerated bone quality remains challenging because conventional assessments rely on density-based imaging. In this retrospective study, we characterized PCBM-regenerated jaw bone using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and Raman spectroscopy. Bone samples were obtained from nine patients during implant placement 6 months after PCBM transplantation. Micro-CT quantified trabecular microarchitecture, including bone volume fraction, trabecular bone thickness, trabecular number, and trabecular separation. Raman spectroscopy assessed the mineral- and matrix-related compositional parameters, including the mineral-to-matrix ratio, carbonate-to-phosphate ratio, and apatite crystallinity. No statistically significant differences in microstructural or Raman-derived parameters were observed between PCBM grafts covered with skin flaps and those covered with gingival mucosa. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between male and female patients. Histological analysis demonstrated newly formed lamellar bone in all specimens. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using micro-CT, Raman spectroscopy, and histological evaluation for multimodal characterization of PCBM-regenerated jaw bone. The specimens showed interindividual structural and compositional variability. Further studies in larger, controlled cohorts are needed to determine the clinical significance of this variability.