Quantitative CT analysis of the glabellar and anterior nasal spine regions for the placement of implants for nasal prosthesis retention.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the precision of the measurements of 2 craniometric anatomic points--glabella and anterior nasal spine--in order to verify their possibility as potential locations for placing implants aimed at nasal prostheses retention. METHODS: Twenty-six dry human skulls were scanned in a high-resolution spiral tomography with 1-mm axial slice thickness and 1-mm interval reconstruction using a bone tissue filter. Images obtained were stored and transferred to an independent workstation containing e-film imaging software. The measurements (in the glabella and anterior nasal fossa) were made independently by 2 observers twice for each measurement. Data were submitted to statistical analysis (parametric t test). RESULTS: The results demonstrated no statistically significant difference between interobserver and intraobserver measurements (P > .05). The standard error was found to be between 0.49 mm and 0.84 mm for measurements in bone protocol, indicating a high level of precision. CONCLUSIONS: The measurements obtained in anterior nasal spine and glabella were considered precise and reproducible. Mean values of such measurements pointed to the possibility of implant placement in these regions, particularly in the anterior nasal spine.