BaS analysis: a new cephalometric study for craniofacial malformations.
OBJECTIVE
Patients submitted to surgical advancement of the upper and middle facial third might have a relapse of the skeletal retraction after the removal of the distractor devices. Clinical signs related to this process are usually represented by exophthalmos, Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) or prognathism; however, the analytic definition of the relapse is very difficult , conventional cephalometric methods being influenced by the spatial movement of "N" (nasion) or "Or" (orbital) points. The authors present a new cephalometric technique that could be used as a more objective mean of follow-up evaluation of patients undergoing craniofacial advancement.


METHODS
The cephalometric analysis proposed is based on angles, lines, areas and distances between BaS (Basion-Sella) axis and other craniofacial landmark points. We have defined this cephalometric technique as "BaS Analysis".


CONCLUSIONS
The "BaS analysis" is not influenced by splanchnocranium movements in the space; for this reason, it can be considered a useful method for cephalometric analysis in the follow-up of patients with craniofacial malformations.
Pelo
Sandro
S
MaxilloFacial Surgery, Catholic University Medical School, Via G. Moscati 31-33, Rome 00168, Italy.
Cacucci
Laura
L
Boniello
Roberto
R
Moro
Alessandro
A
Deli
Roberto
R
Grippaudo
Cristina
C
Di Rocco
Concezio
C
Tamburrini
Gianpiero
G
Massimi
Luca
L
Caldarelli
Massimo
M
Gasparini
Giulio
G
D000168:Acrocephalosyndactylia / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods*; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000473:pathology*; D005145:Face / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology; D008445:Maxillofacial Development; D012399:Rotation