title: A new three-dimensional measurement in evaluating the cranial asymmetry caused by craniosynostosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present a modified cranial vault asymmetry index, evaluate it by measuring the asymmetry of the skull shape with craniosynostosis and by assessing the surgical outcome quantitatively, compare it with traditional cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) and discuss its advantages and shortcomings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Based on the traditional CVAI, anterior cranial vault asymmetry index (ACVAI) and posterior cranial vault asymmetry index (PCVAI) were proposed to evaluate surgical outcomes. We measured CVAI, ACVAI and PCVAI on the reconstructed three-dimensional computed tomography images to analyze the degree of the malformation and assess the surgical outcomes. The new method was compared with the traditional one, and statistical analysis was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test, preoperative ACVAI compared to postoperative one is statistically significant (p = 0.018), whereas, the p value for CVAI is 0.128 > 0.05.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ACVAI and PCVAI as modified can better describe the degree of cranial vault asymmetry compared with CVAI. It is also a more reliable index to assess the surgical outcomes quantitatively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No. 33, Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, China.
authors.forename: Hongyu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yin
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No. 33, Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, China.|Plastic Surgery Departments, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No. 3302, Erdao District, Jilin Road, Changchun City, 130000, Jilin Province, China.
authors.forename: Xue
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, No. 33, Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, China. ybdoctor_psh@163.com.
authors.forename: Bin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003398:Craniosynostoses / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography
keywords: Cranial asymmetry; Cranial vault asymmetry index; Craniosynostosis; Three-dimensional measurement