"Ten-point" 3D cephalometric analysis using low-dosage cone beam computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to combine the huge amount of information of low dose Cone Beam CT with a cephalometric simplified protocol thanks to the latest informatics aids. Lateral cephalograms are two-dimensional (2-D) radiographs that are used to represent three-dimensional (3-D) structures. Cephalograms have inherent limitations as a result of distortion, super imposition and differential magnification of the craniofacial complex. This may lead to errors of identification and reduced measurement accuracy. The advantages of CBCT over conventional CT include low radiation exposure, imaging quality improvement, potentially better access, high spatial resolution and lower cost.


METHODS
This study assessed cephalometric 2D and 3D measurements and the analysis of CBCT cephalograms of the volume and centroid of the maxilla and mandible, in 10 clinical cases.


RESULTS
With a few exceptions the linear and angular cephalometric measurements obtained from CBCT and from conventional cephalograms did not differ statistically (p>0.01). There was a correlation between the variation in the skeletal malocclusion and growth direction of the jaws, and the variation in the spatial position (x, y, z) of the centroids and their volumes (p<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The 3D cephalometric analysis is easier to interpret than 2D cephalometric analysis. In contrast to those made on projective radiographies, the angular and linear measurements detected on 3D become real, moreover the fewest points to select and the automatic measurements made by the computer drastically reduced human error, for a much more reliable reproducible and repeatable diagnosis.
Department of Orthodontics, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Italy. giampietro.farronato@unimi.it
Giampietro
G
Farronato
Umberto
U
Garagiola
Aldo
A
Dominici
Giulia
G
Periti
Sandro
S
de Nardi
Vera
V
Carletti
Davide
D
Farronato
D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002680:Chin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000254:growth & development; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000254:growth & development; D008838:Microcomputers; D009295:Nasal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D011858:Radiographic Magnification; D012658:Sella Turcica / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012984:Software