title: Scoliosis of the cranial base: radiological and mathematical analysis using finite elements system analysis (FESA) of a case.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Numerous deforming syndromes of the craniofacial complex involve also the symmetry of the cranial base. This study considers a particular alteration, that of 'scoliosis', in which the line Nasion-Sella-Basion-Inion is not rectilinear but curved, due to a torsion of the cranial base in the horizontal plane.
  
  
  METHODS
  Plagiocephaly was studied in one patient, which was probably caused by altered timing or mechanism of closure of the cranial sutures.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was carried out using CT images of the patient's craniofacial complex, using standard neuroradiological points. In order to study the forces that operated in the various complexes, a mathematical analysis was applied namely, a finite element system analysis (FESA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  From this mathematical study, which has enabled us to evaluate the forces that operate in determining the deformity, it has been possible to locate two sites of force concentration. They were located at different levels and on opposite sides.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This finding could explain why the middle and lower thirds of the face were also involved.
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Studies in Rome "La Sapienza", Policlinico "Umberto I", Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Iannetti
authors.forename: Maria Teresa
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Fadda
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Indrizzi
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gennaro
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Spuntarelli
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D003398:Craniosynostoses / Q000150:complications*; D005146:Facial Asymmetry / Q000209:etiology*; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000473:pathology*; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019291:Skull Base / Q000473:pathology*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed