A technique for three-dimensional cephalometric analysis as an aid in evaluating changes in the craniofacial skeleton.

A technique is presented for creating a standardized view for use in three-dimensional cephalometry. Three-dimensional cephalometric analysis has become a valuable tool in the assessment of skeletal remodeling, contour changes, and changes in proportion that occur with aging. Computer-assisted tomographic data can be used in either coronal or axial sections; the present study was performed with axially acquired data that was processed in several steps to achieve a standardized position of the facial skeleton for further evaluation. This technique may be a useful adjunct to standard cephalometrics to evaluate the craniofacial skeleton.