A comparison of three-dimensional computed tomography scans and stereolithographic models for evaluation of craniofacial anomalies.
OBJECTIVE
This article describes the use of stereolithographic (SL) models as an adjunct to treatment planning in patients with Apert's syndrome, scaphocephaly, brachycephaly, and turricephaly.


METHODS
Four syndrome patients had computed tomography (CT) scans done presurgically, and one of these patients was additionally scanned postoperatively. SL models and three-dimensional (3D) CT image reconstructions were produced from the CT data, and linear measurements were compared between the two modalities.


RESULTS
All cases showed mean differences between measurements with 3D-CT and SL models of -0.3 to 0.8 mm, except on the CT scans with a gantry tilt (-1.7 mm) and the brachycephalic patient in whom larger deviations were demonstrated (-9.5 mm).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the study indicate that the accuracy of the SL technique is not always sufficient, necessitating additional validation studies before it can be recommended for routine clinical use.
Kragskov
J
J
Department of Neuroradiology, Craniofacial Center, Aarhus University and Hospital, Denmark.
Sindet-Pedersen
S
S
Gyldensted
C
C
Jensen
K L
KL
D000168:Acrocephalosyndactylia / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods*; D003398:Craniosynostoses / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010780:Photogrammetry; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed