title: [The accuracy of 3D-CT volume rendering for craniofacial linear measurements].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to determine the consistency of craniofacial measurements using spiral computed tomography volume rendering by computer systems and sliding caliper.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study population consisted of 12 cadaver heads which were examined with spiral CT. The archived CT data were transferred to a workstation, and 3D-CT volume rendered images were generated using computer graphics tools. Linear measurements (n = 20), based upon conventional craniometric anatomical landmarks (n = 16) were made, by Display Tools and sliding caliper respectively. The consistency between the two measurements was analyzed by paired t test using SAS9.0 software package.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results demonstrated no statistically significant difference between imaging measurement and physical measurement, P > 0.05.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is significant consistency between spiral CT measurement and physical measurement for craniofacial linear distance. 3D-CT volume rendering images using craniometric measurements can be used for clinical and basic studies in stomatology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China. liudongxu@sdu.edu.cn
authors.forename: Dong-Xu
authors.initials: DX
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Chun-Ling
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Zuo-Ying
authors.initials: ZY
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.forename: Hua-Feng
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Ke
authors.forename: Zhao-Yang
authors.initials: ZY
authors.lastname: Yu
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods*; D061827:Dimensional Measurement Accuracy; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000295:instrumentation*