A proposal for a new analysis of craniofacial morphology by 3-dimensional computed tomography.
BACKGROUND
Three-dimensional (3D) analysis is essential for making a precise diagnosis of craniofacial morphology. Two-dimensional (2D) x-ray films are used to understand 3D structures. However, 2D images have several limitations. This article proposes a new type of cephalometric analysis by using 3D computed tomography.


METHODS
Axial images of 30 subjects (16 men; mean age, 19.2 years; 14 women, mean age, 20.5 years) were reconstructed into 3D models by using Vworks 4.0 (Cybermed, Seoul, Korea). The 3D models were measured with Vsurgery (Cybermed). The zygoma, maxilla, mandible, and facial convexity were analyzed.


RESULTS
The measurements were compared with Korean normal averages, and no statistically significant differences were found. Landmark identification was reproducible.


CONCLUSIONS
Three-dimensional computed tomography can provide information for use in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Park
Sun-Hyung
SH
College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
Yu
Hyung-Seog
HS
Kim
Kee-Deog
KD
Lee
Kee-Joon
KJ
Baik
Hyoung-Seon
HS