Biostatistics Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Biostatistics, including details on statistics, uncertainty, probability, modeling.

3-D volume rendering maxillofacial analysis of angular measurements by multislice CT.

Lopes PM, Moreira CR, Perrella A, Antunes JL, Cavalcanti MG

Department of Social Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Centro Universitário de João Pessoa, João Pessoa, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the precision and accuracy of angular measurements using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) volume rendering by computer systems. STUDY DESIGN: The study population consisted of 28 dried skulls that were scanned with a 64-row multislice CT, and 3D-CT images were generated. Angular measurements, (n = 6) based upon conventional craniometric anatomical landmarks (n = 9), were identified independently in 3D-CT images by 2 radiologists, twice each, and were then performed by 3D-CT imaging. Subsequently, physical measurements were made by a third examiner using a Beyond Crysta-C9168 series 900 device. RESULTS: The results demonstrated no statistically significant difference between interexaminer and intraexaminer analysis. The mean difference between the physical and 3-D-based angular measurements was -1.18% and -0.89%, respectively, for both examiners, demonstrating high accuracy. CONCLUSION: Maxillofacial analysis of angular measurements using 3D-CT volume rendering by 64-row multislice CT is established and can be used for orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic applications.

Published 30 January 2008 in Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod, 105(2): 224-30.
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