Computerized cephalometrics

Abstract

A method to analyse cephalometric radiographs with the help of a computer has been described. With the system a cephalometric radiograph can be analysed and the results compared to corresponding analyses of individuals with ideal occlusion. The results can also be visualized as schematic figures of the patients. The computer calculates means and standard deviations of groups of individuals and can visualize the results as mean figures. A program to train operators in pinpointing radiographic reference points has also been developed. A methodological study has shown that the errors of the computerized method are of little importance compared to the errors made in pinpointing radiographic reference points. A clinical test of the system has shown that inexperienced operators are able to use the system after about one hour's training. The method is about twenty minutes faster compared to an ordinary manual radiographic analysis. Some future aspects are also discussed.