Skeletal pattern analysis of facial asymmetry patient using three dimensional computed tomography

ABSTRACT

In orthognathic surgery, precise analysis and diagnosis are essential for successful results . In facial asymmetric patient, traditional 2D image analysis has been used by lateral and P-A Cephalometric view, Skull PA, Panorama, Submentovertex view etc. But clinicians sometimes misdiagnose because they cannot find exact landmark due to superimposition, moreover image can be magnified and distorted by projection technique or patient's skull position, when using these analysis and method. For overcome these defects, analysis by using of 3D CT has been introduced. In this way we can analysis precisely by getting the exact image free of artifact and finding exact landmark with no interruption of superimposition. So we want to review of relationship between various skeletal landmarks of mandible or cranial base and facial asymmetry by predictable analysis using 3D CT. We select the cases of the patients who visited our department for correction of facial asymmetry during 2003-2007 and who were taken image of 3D CT for diagnosis. 3D CT images were reconstructed to 3D image by using V-Work program (Cybermed Inc., Seoul, Korea). And we analysis the relationship between facial asymmetry and various affecting factor of skeletal pattern. The mandibular ramus hight difference between right and left was most affecting factor that express facial asymmetry. And in this research, there was no relationship between cranial base and facial asymmetry. The angulation between facial midline and mandibular ramus divergency has significant relationship with facial asymmetry