Maxillofacial 3-dimensional image analysis for the diagnosis of facial asymmetry.
The advent of computed tomography has greatly reduced magnification errors from geometric distortions that are common in conventional radiographs. Recently introduced 3-dimensional (3D) software enables 3D reconstruction and quantitative measurement of the maxillofacial complex; 3D images are also useful in understanding asymmetrical structures. This article describes the use of 3D images in the diagnosis of facial asymmetry. A step-by-step procedure for 3D analysis developed by the authors is described by using the example of a 23-year-old man with a chin deviation to 1 side.
Hwang
Hyeon-Shik
HS
Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, Dental Science Research Institute, Chonnam National University, Dong-Gu, Gwangju 501-757, Korea. hhwang@chonnam.ac.kr
Hwang
Chung Hyon
CH
Lee
Ki-Heon
KH
Kang
Byung-Cheol
BC
D000328:Adult; D002508:Cephalometry; D005146:Facial Asymmetry / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007723:Korea; D008297:Male; D008313:Malocclusion, Angle Class III / Q000150:complications; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed