Craniofacial Skeletal Measurements Based on Computed Tomography: Part I. Accuracy and Reproducibility

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) is a useful modality for the management of craniofacial anomalies. A study was undertaken to assess whether CT measurements of the upper craniofacial skeleton accurately represent the bony region imaged. Measurements taken directly from five dry skulls (approximate ages: adults, over 18 years; child, 4 years; infant, 6 months) were compared to those from axial CT scans of these skulls. Excellent agreement was found between the direct (dry skull) and indirect (CT) measurements. The effect of head tilt on the accuracy of these measurements was investigated. The error was within clinically acceptable limits (less than 5 percent) if the angle was no more than +/- 4 degrees from baseline (0 degrees). Objective standardized information gained from CT should complement the subjective clinical data usually collected for the treatment of craniofacial deformities.

Correlations between selected parameters of nasal cavity in neonates and young infants — computed tomography study

“…CT is a good tool for assessing bone structures, including those in the nasal cavity [7,12]. In accordance with the results of the study conducted by Weitzman et al [18], in which measurements made on skulls were compared with the measurements of bone structures on CT images, minimum differences between direct measurements on skulls and indirect measurements on tomograms confirm the supposition that measurements made on CT images are credible and accurately reflect the scanned object. The analysed structures are located deep within bony face and their morphometry -in intravital conditions -may be examined only by means of imaging methods, of which CT is the best.…”

Computed tomography–generated anthropometric measurements of orbital relationships in normal infants and children

“…Over the past 2 decades, CT imaging has provided accurate and reproducible measurements of the craniofacial skeleton in both adult and pediatric populations. 5,7,26,35 We aimed to provide previously unreported normative data for children from birth to 36 months of age. Orbital growth follows a pattern similar to that of cranial growth, with the most rapid expansion during the first 12 months of life.…”

Accuracy and reliability of measurements obtained from computed tomography 3D volume rendered images

“…The majority of published studies demonstrate high accuracy between measurements taken from a dry element and measurements taken from the 3D-CT image of the same dry element [3,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18].…”