A case report comparing 3-D evaluation in the diagnosis and treatment planning of hemimandibular hyperplasia with conventional radiography

SummaryIntroductionCephalometric radiography is the main investigation used in the diagnosis of maxillofacial deformities. Three-dimensional (3-D) computed tomography (3-D CT) imaging has recently been used in the diagnosis and treatment planning of craniofacial morphology. The purpose of this report was to present the diagnosis and treatment planning of a hemimandibular hyperplasia case by using conventional radiographs and 3-D cephalometric analysis.MethodsA 24-year-old girl presented with hemimandibular hyperplasia and the main complaint was her facial appearance. Conventional cephalometric analysis including lateral and frontal cephalograms were traced by hand and evaluated by the same clinician. Twenty-one measurements on the lateral cephalograms and 13 measurements on the frontal cephalograms were performed. In addition, axial images were reconstructed into a 3-D model by using medical image processing software. Linear and angular measurements were presented in coronal and sagittal planes.ResultsThe 3-D CT analysis has a superior image quality when compared with conventional cephalograms.ConclusionsThe 3-D CT analysis provides more advanced diagnostic image information in evaluating craniofacial morphology. We conclude that 3-D CT images can facilitate the diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome evaluation of severe asymmetry cases.