A novel technique for malar eminence evaluation using 3-dimensional computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a novel method to locate the malar eminence using 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT), and a new axis system for evaluation of malar eminence symmetry.


METHODS
A retrospective case series was carried out in 42 disease-free white adult patients. The 3D-CT reconstructions of the face were obtained, and the soft-tissue maxillozygion was used to locate the malar eminence. Other skeletal and soft-tissue landmarks (frontozygomatic suture, zygion, and orbitale) were evaluated. A patient-oriented axis system was constructed using 3 sagittal midline landmarks (nasion, subspinale, and basion). Coordinates were obtained for each landmark, and symmetry was evaluated.


RESULTS
Twenty-one men and 21 women with mean ages of 41.1 and 41.3 years, respectively, were included. The malar eminence was easily localized using the 3D-CT technique for soft-tissue maxillozygion identification. Clinical asymmetry at the level of the soft-tissue maxillozygion was 40.5% (95% CI, 25.0%-56.0%). Other landmarks showed a prevalence of clinical asymmetry ranging from 24.0% to 50.0%.


CONCLUSIONS
The malar eminence can be easily and precisely located using the 3D-CT soft-tissue maxillozygion landmark. A reliable patient-oriented axis system can be defined using nasion, subspinale, and basion. The prevalence of malar eminence asymmetry in our study was 40.5%.
Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Sami P
SP
Moubayed
Frederick
F
Duong
Christian
C
Ahmarani
Akram
A
Rahal
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D059925:Anatomic Landmarks / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005146:Facial Asymmetry / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult; D015050:Zygoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*