Title Cone Beam Computed Tomography Accurately Reproduces Three Dimensional Facial Imaging for Anthropometric Measurements in Comparison to Direct Manual Technique
Clinical Question In patients with craniofacial anomalies does cone beam computed tomography in comparison to direct manual technique provide accurate soft tissue anthropometric measurements?
Clinical Bottom Line Cone beam computed tomography provides accurate three dimensional imaging for anthropometric measurements.
Best Evidence  
PubMed ID Author / Year Patient Group Study type
(level of evidence)
20849272Fourie/201121 linear measurements from a variation of 11 landmarks in seven cadaver headsCase Study
Key resultsGlass sphere markers(1.5mm in diameter) were stabilized on 11 anthropometric landmarks on each head. Direct linear measurements were calculated manually using electrical digital calipers. Each head had a CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scan and SimPlant Ortho Pro software was used to calculate all the linear measurements. Analysis of accuracy and repeatability was determined by calculating the intra-class correlation coefficient(ICC). An ICC between .923 and .999 was derived from comparing CBCT to direct manual technique. The ICC value for intra-observer reproducibility ranged from .964 to .999 for direct manual technique and .982 to .999 for CBCT measurements.
Evidence Search "facial cone beam computed tomography" AND "anthropometric measurements"
Comments on
The Evidence
The results prove the CBCT is an accurate and reliable tool for the purpose of treatment planning and viewing post surgical outcomes with its capability of archiving images. Also, it is less time consuming and a less invasive procedure. Some limitations of this study are the few number of subjects because fresh cadavers were used and the inability to use glass spheres in a clinical setting. More research is needed but the use of CBCT is currently applicable for clinical use.
Applicability This evidence is clinically applicable for patients with craniofacial soft tissue deviations and deformations due genetics or trauma.
Specialty (Oral Surgery) (Orthodontics) (Prosthodontics)
Keywords cone beam computed tomography, three dimensional imaging, anthropometry, cadaver, craniofacial anomalies
ID# 2300
Date of submission 08/07/2012
E-mail toddketu@yahoo.com
Author Ketu Lincoln
Co-author(s)
Co-author(s) e-mail
Faculty mentor James Piper, II, DDS
Faculty mentor e-mail james.piper@us.af.mil
   
Basic Science Rationale
(Mechanisms that may account for and/or explain the clinical question, i.e. is the answer to the clinical question consistent with basic biological, physical and/or behavioral science principles, laws and research?)
by Ketu Lincoln (San Antonio, TX) on 09/18/2012
The technical basis of this study involves the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a valid and reliable method in obtaining various anthropometric measurements in comparison to the traditional method of using calipers in the direct method technique. The direct method is inexpensive, reliable, and provides a normative database for comparison. Some of the disadvantages of the direct method include extensive and time consuming training for the technician, multiple measurements to obtain a average value, patient compliance with time and being immobile, indentation of tissue causing error in readings, and the inability to create a archive for image comparison. The CBCT demonstrates the ability to overcome these disadvantages and proves to be an applicable tool for clinical treatment. (PMID: 18452351)
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Comments and Evidence-Based Updates on the CAT
(FOR PRACTICING DENTISTS', FACULTY, RESIDENTS and/or STUDENTS COMMENTS ON PUBLISHED CATs)
None available