Automatic detection of mandibular fractures on CT scan using deep learning

OBJECTIVES: This study explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically deep learning, in the detection and classification of mandibular fractures using CT scans. METHODS: Data from 459 patients were retrospectively obtained from West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, spanning from 2020 to 2023. The CT scans were divided into training, testing, and independent validation sets. This research focuses on training and validating a deep learning model using the nnU-Net segmentation framework for pixel-level accuracy in identifying fracture locations. Additionally, a 3D-ResNet with pre-trained weights was employed to classify fractures into 3 types based on severity. Performance metrics included sensitivity, precision, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: The study achieved high diagnostic accuracy in mandibule fracture detection, with sensitivity >0.93, precision >0.79, and specificity >0.80. For mandibular fracture classification, accuracies were all above 0.718, with a mean AUC of 0.86. CONCLUSIONS: Detection and classification of mandibular fractures in CT images can be significantly enhanced using the nnU-Net segmentation framework, aiding in clinical diagnosis.