3D-CT Evaluation of Facial Asymmetry

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OBJECTIVE :Recently, three dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) imaging has been used in the diagnosis and surgical treatment planning of patients with craniofacial deformities. We have developed a 3D-CT imaging procedure for a three-dimensional co-ordinate point evaluation system to assess and diagnose patients with facial asymmetry.STUDY DESIGN :The CT data of sixteen normal subjects was selected retrospectively as the control group from patients who had undergone CT examinations to diagnose conditions other than maxillofacial deformities. Anatomical landmarks modified from orthodontic craniometric (cephalometric) points were defined on 3D-CT images and the asymmetry index of each point was calculated in millimeters. A diagrammatic chart with a baseline indicating the mean asymmetry indices plus the standard deviation in normal subjects was designed. The resulting diagrammatic chart was used to evaluate the degree of deformity in facial asymmetry patients.RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS :The topography of facial asymmetry was assessed. The 3D-CT imaging technique as described herein was a practical method of evaluating the morphology of facial asymmetry.