Three-dimensional analysis of craniofacial bones using three-dimensional computer tomography.

We studied the three-dimensional (3D) deformities in patients with congenital facial anomalies, such as cleft lip and palate or hemifacial microsomia using three-dimensional CT (3DCT) images. At the same time, the data from the 3DCT was processed and analyzed using a 3DCT measurement system which we have recently developed. The coordinates of the 67 test points on the craniofacial bones were determined on a 3D image prepared by the 3DCT measurement system. Using this system, we prepared the 'skeletograms', which present deformities of craniofacial bones in detail as a 3D wire frame model, for detailed analysis of the craniofacial bones' deformities.