Accuracy and reliability of linear cephalometric measurements from cone-beam computed tomography scans of a dry human skull.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and reliability of 3-dimensional craniofacial measurements obtained from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of a dry human skull.


METHODS
Seventeen landmarks were identified on the skull. CBCT scans were then obtained, with 2 skull orientations during scanning. Twenty-nine interlandmark linear measurements were made directly on the skull and compared with the same measurements made on the CBCT scans. All measurements were made by 2 operators on 4 separate occasions.


RESULTS
The method errors were 0.19, 0.21, and 0.19 mm in the x-, y- and z-axes, respectively. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant intraoperator or interoperator differences. The mean measurement error was -0.01 mm (SD, 0.129 mm). Five measurement errors were found to be statistically significantly different; however, all measurement errors were below the known voxel size and clinically insignificant. No differences were found in the measurements from the 2 CBCT scan orientations of the skull.


CONCLUSIONS
CBCT allows for clinically accurate and reliable 3-dimensional linear measurements of the craniofacial complex. Moreover, skull orientation during CBCT scanning does not affect the accuracy or the reliability of these measurements.
Berco
Mauricio
M
Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, Mass, USA.
Rigali
Paul H
PH
Miner
R Matthew
RM
DeLuca
Stephelynn
S
Anderson
Nina K
NK
Will
Leslie A
LA
D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002680:Chin / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008437:Maxilla / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009295:Nasal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D015588:Observer Variation; D009915:Orbit / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012658:Sella Turcica / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012886:Skull / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019291:Skull Base / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012984:Software