Reproducibility of asymmetry measurements of the mandible in three-dimensional CT imaging / 대한치과교정학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of measurements representing asymmetry of the mandible and to identify which landmarks would be more useful in 3-dimensional (3D) CT imaging. METHODS: Facial CT images were obtained from forty normal occlusion individuals. Eighteen landmarks were established from the condyle, gonion, and menton areas, and 25 measurements were constructed to represent asymmetry of the mandible; 8 for ramus length, 12 for mandibular body length, 1 for condylar neck length, 2 for frontal ramal inclination, and 2 for lateral ramal inclination. Inter- and intra-examiner reproducibility of the measurements was evaluated. RESULTS: Inter-examiner reproducibility of the measurements proved to be high except for 3 measurements. Intra-examiner reproducibility also proved to be high except for 2 measurements. Inter- and intra-examiner reproducibility of the measurements including Gonion proved to be low. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicate that the landmarks and measurements constructed in 3D CT images can be used for the diagnosis of facial asymmetry.