Delaire Cephalometry from CT Reconstruction: Is It Reproducible?
A. Debelmas · S. Ketoff · S. Lanciaux · P. Corre · M. Friess · R.H. Khonsari
J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg · 2020 · 121(1):35-39
Can a reliable cephalometric analysis be traced from a CT scan rather than a conventional lateral X-ray? Dr Serge Ketoff took part in this reproducibility study, useful for planning orthognathic surgery.
In brief
- Cephalometry guides the planning of jaw surgery.
- The study compares conventional X-rays with CT-based reconstructions.
- Good reproducibility in patients; limits on dry skulls without cervical spine.
The research question
Lateral cephalometry is standard for planning orthognathic procedures. Yet tomographic imaging (CT, cone beam) is increasingly prescribed for complex anomalies. The authors assess whether lateral X-rays reconstructed from CT allow reliable cephalometric analyses.
Method
A simplified Delaire analysis (Top 12) was performed by two observers on three sets: standard cephalometric X-rays, 2D reconstructions from the same patients' CT scans, and reconstructions from dry skulls. Inter- and intra-observer reproducibility was measured.
Results
Good reproducibility for standard and reconstructed X-rays (ICC > 0.75), with no difference in angular measurements in patients. However, the analysis was not reproducible on dry skulls lacking an upper cervical spine. Conclusion: CT-based reconstructions are a reliable alternative to lateral X-rays in patients.
Key points
- CT → reliable cephalometry in patients.
- Satisfactory inter/intra-observer reproducibility.
- Limit: dry skulls without cervical spine.
- Useful for planning complex cases.
Reference : Debelmas A, Ketoff S, Lanciaux S, Corre P, Friess M, Khonsari RH. Reproducibility assessment of Delaire cephalometric analysis using reconstructions from computed tomography. J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020;121(1):35-39.
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