High-frequency ultrasound in the measurement of pediatric craniofacial integrity.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluates the use of high-frequency ultrasound in the measurement of the material nature of the pediatric craniofacial skeleton.


METHODS
Three desiccated human skulls, aged 1 year, 5 years, and adult, underwent ultrasonic evaluation at 6 sites on each hemicranium.


RESULTS
The overall mean signal reflection coefficients for the infant, child, and adult skulls are 98.8 mV (13.75 mV SD), 172 mV (24.5 mV SD), and 230 mV (23.5 mV SD), respectively. The mean signal reflection coefficient is positively correlated with increasing chronological age. Comparison of intrasubject signal patterns suggests bone density fields, which vary as a function of growth.


CONCLUSIONS
High-frequency ultrasound provides accurate measurements of the osseous impedance of the craniofacial skeleton. Pattern analysis suggests increases in skull density with greater growth and age.


CONCLUSIONS
Although further testing must be performed in vivo, high-frequency ultrasound may accurately measure the osseous impedance of the pediatric craniofacial skeleton.


METHODS
C.
Knott
P Daniel
PD
The Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA.
Hazony
Dov
D
Karafa
Matthew
M
Koltai
Peter J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D001837:Body Weights and Measures / Q000379:methods; D001846:Bone Development / Q000502:physiology; D002102:Cadaver; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods