Three‐dimensional measurement accuracy of skull surface landmarks

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Craniometric measuremnts from a three‐dimensional (3‐D) digitizing system were compared with those from sliding and spreading calipers. The 3‐D system consisted of a 3‐Space Digitizer, Macintosh Plus computer, and Unigraphics CAD/CAM system. Twenty‐nine standard measurements were made and repeated on two normal and three deformed skulls. The percentage of difference was calculated for original versus repeat measures and caliper versus 3‐D measures. For objective anatomic structures and fiducial points, there was less than 2 mm (maximum) of difference between 1) the original digitizer versus repeat 3‐D measures and 2) caliper versus 3‐D measures. This represented 2% or less measurement incongruence. There were no significant differences for these comparisons (p > 0.1), and all regressions were highly significant (P < 0.001), with r2 > 0.999. 3‐D measurements were made more easily and quickly than were caliper measurements, with no loss in precision. It is concluded that 3‐D measurements are equivalent in quality to caliper measurements for craniometric studies, but are easier to obtain.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: