Tilmann Schweitzer1, Hartmut Böhm2, Christian Linz2, Beatrice Jager3, Lucia Gerstl4, Felix Kunz5, Angelika Stellzig-Eisenhauer6, Ralf-Ingo Ernestus7, Jürgen Krauß3, Philipp Meyer-Marcotty5. 1. Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Craniofacial Center, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany. schweitzer.t@nch.uni-wuerzburg.de. 2. Department of Maxillo-Facial-Surgery and Plastic Surgery, Craniofacial Center, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. 3. Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany. 4. Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Childrens Hospital, Würzburg, Germany. 5. Department of Orthodontics, Craniofacial Center, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. 6. Department of Orthodontics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. 7. Department of Neurosurgery, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Stereophotogrammetry enables a simple and radiation free longitudinal analysis of skull asymmetries: in a three-dimensional coordinate system various distances (length, breadth, cephalic index, oblique diameters, ear shift, head circumference) can be analyzed. We also defined separate volume sections in order to further quantify the degree of asymmetry in the posterior and anterior components of both sides of the head. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 51 infants (mean age, 6 months; SD 0.97) with positional plagiocephaly, we determined these parameters at the beginning as well as at the end of molding helmet therapy (mean therapy time 4.9 months). Thirty-seven infants without positional deformity (mean age, 6.4 months; SD 0.3) served as control group and provided data about what appears to be normal and how these parameters change during growth over a comparable period of time. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the plagiocephalic heads were more brachycephalic, but closely approximated the normal shape under molding therapy. The striking volume difference between the left and right posterior sections in the plagiocephalic children (the mean volume of the flattened side being 21% smaller than the one on the contralateral side) improved as well (to a residual difference of mean 8%) and ended up with a value close to the control group (mean 6%). CONCLUSION: There is a broad clinical application area for stereophotogrammetry analyzing skull morphology: In plagiocephalic infants we demonstrate impressive changes of head shape under molding therapy; in normal-looking infants we describe the extent of unperceived asymmetry.
OBJECTIVE: Stereophotogrammetry enables a simple and radiation free longitudinal analysis of skull asymmetries: in a three-dimensional coordinate system various distances (length, breadth, cephalic index, oblique diameters, ear shift, head circumference) can be analyzed. We also defined separate volume sections in order to further quantify the degree of asymmetry in the posterior and anterior components of both sides of the head. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 51 infants (mean age, 6 months; SD 0.97) with positional plagiocephaly, we determined these parameters at the beginning as well as at the end of molding helmet therapy (mean therapy time 4.9 months). Thirty-seven infants without positional deformity (mean age, 6.4 months; SD 0.3) served as control group and provided data about what appears to be normal and how these parameters change during growth over a comparable period of time. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the plagiocephalic heads were more brachycephalic, but closely approximated the normal shape under molding therapy. The striking volume difference between the left and right posterior sections in the plagiocephalic children (the mean volume of the flattened side being 21% smaller than the one on the contralateral side) improved as well (to a residual difference of mean 8%) and ended up with a value close to the control group (mean 6%). CONCLUSION: There is a broad clinical application area for stereophotogrammetry analyzing skull morphology: In plagiocephalic infants we demonstrate impressive changes of head shape under molding therapy; in normal-looking infants we describe the extent of unperceived asymmetry.
Authors: P Meyer-Marcotty; H Böhm; C Linz; F Kunz; N Keil; A Stellzig-Eisenhauer; T Schweitzer Journal: J Orofac Orthop Date: 2012-03-04 Impact factor: 1.938
Authors: H Schaaf; J Pons-Kuehnemann; C Y Malik; P Streckbein; M Preuss; H-P Howaldt; J-F Wilbrand Journal: Neuropediatrics Date: 2010-06-22 Impact factor: 1.947
Authors: Philipp Meyer-Marcotty; Georg W Alpers; Antje B M Gerdes; Angelika Stellzig-Eisenhauer Journal: Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop Date: 2010-02 Impact factor: 2.650
Authors: Julia Frühwald; Kurt A Schicho; Michael Figl; Thomas Benesch; Franz Watzinger; Franz Kainberger Journal: J Craniofac Surg Date: 2008-01 Impact factor: 1.046