Cranial Cephalometric Measurement using Newly Devised Caliper and Computer Program

ABSTRACT

The measurement and visualization of the roundness of the cranial circumference has not been attempted by the simple measurement device. That's why there has been a tendency that the morphologic cranial deformity can be diagnosed with accuracy only by the experienced physician. The accurate understanding of the roundness of the cranial circumference, however, is essential for the diagnosis and the decision of the treatment principle in cranofacial morphological deformity. Current methods, such as simple physical examination and/or the photography, are not enough to accurately express the roundness of the cranial circumference. In order to develop the new method of measurement, authors selected 16 points from the axial cutting plane of the cranium. These points can be selected under the same principle even though the axial plane changes. After measuring the distance of 16 points, the values are put into computer program. In conclusion, authors can retrieve the x, y coordinates of the 16 points and can show the intuitive roundness of the circumference of the selected axial plane of the cranium. This measurement tool will be helpful not only for the identification of the severity of the morphologic cranial deformity, but for the classification and the assessment of the result of the surgery.