An architectural and structural craniofacial analysis: a new lateral cephalometric analysis.

The architectural and structural craniofacial analysis is based upon mutual balance of the cranial and facial bony structures. With this technique, the bases and calvaria of the cranium and then the face can be studied successively in relation to the cranium and craniospinal articulation. Statistical averages are avoided, and individual proportions influenced by the unique features of each skeleton are relied upon. The dentition is placed within the cephalic context, and therapy etiologic factors of dentofacial dysmorphoses which would not otherwise be demonstrated by conventional analysis are made obvious. This technique is particularly useful to the maxillofacial surgeon, as it clearly demonstrates all of the maxillofacial deformities and the pathologic balances that need to be corrected. In severe craniofacial malformations, it offers better possibilities than other cephalometric analysis methods of detecting the various cranial and facial anomalies which characterize these conditions.