Software system for calibrating examiners in cephalometric point identification.
BACKGROUND
The literature has shown that subjective concepts lead to interobserver variations in the definitions and identifications of cephalometric landmarks. Observers must be trained and calibrated to conduct scientific research using cephalometric comparisons. In this study, we aimed to develop and test a computational model called Cyclops cephalometry in radiographic cephalometry training and calibration.


METHODS
This system uses the concepts of evaluation process managers, examiners, and testers, thus affording uniformity in cephalometric evaluations. The system was tested with 5 orthodontists and 5 postgraduate students who located 28 landmarks in 10 lateral cephalometric radiographs before and after training.


RESULTS
Before training, the Student t test showed significant differences (P <0.05) in accuracy between the orthodontists and the students (71.4% and 54.9%, respectively). However, considerable improvement in accuracy was observed after training in both groups (86.5% and 83%, respectively), without significant differences (P = 0.30) between groups. Users of the system agreed about its usability aspects such as effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
This model was shown to be a useful and efficient tool in the calibration process, and might be helpful in various comparative cephalometric investigations.
Silveira
Heraldo Luis Dias
HL
Department of Surgery and Orthopedics, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. heraldods@ig.com.br
Silveira
Heloísa Emilia Dias
HE
Dalla-Bona
Reni Raymundo
RR
Abdala
Daniel Duarte
DD
Bertoldi
Rafael Floriani
RF
von Wangenheim
Aldo
A
D002138:Calibration; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D044962:Data Compression; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004499:Education, Dental, Graduate; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D015588:Observer Variation; D009970:Orthodontics / Q000193:education*; D012984:Software