Comparative Study of Cephalometric Analyes using Manual and Different Computerized Methods

Abstract

The use of computer generated cephalometric analyses has gained popularity in both research and clinical applications. The study was conducted to determine the reliability of the computerized cephalometric methodology. 40 lateral cephalograms were taken to volunteer students of Faculty of Dentistry, Suez Canal University. All radiographs were taken in centric occlusion, with the subjects in the natural head position, fixated with Digi-Pan Trophy cephalostat, and the lips relaxed. The subjects were classified by clinical examination into four groups of malocclusion.

16 landmarks were identified (13 anatomical landmarks and three fiducial points). The three created points were permanently marked with pinholes. The radiographs were digitized by two different methods (scanning and capturing by digital camera). Each cephalogram both analogue and digitized images (scanned and captured by digital camera) were traced twice in different occasions.

The tracings included skeletal linear, skeletal angular, and dental angular measurements for each group. The control group was taken by the angular and linear measurement of the three fixed fiducial points which were placed out of the anatomical structures.