Statistical analysis
A pilot series was performed as a basis for power analysis. Assuming a power of 80%, a significance level of 0.05, and an expected loss to follow-up of 20% of the patients, we calculated a necessary total sample size of 96 patients. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0 (IBM SPSS, Armonk, New York). Results are reported as mean ± SD. Pearson’s chi-squared test or Fisher’s Exact Test was used to analyze qualitative comparative data. Intergroup differences in radiographic measurements and continuous clinical data collected at each visit were assessed for significance using independent samples t-test after confirming that the data followed a normal distribution. When parameters were not normally distributed, the Mann–Whitney U-test was used.