[A comparison of standard radiographs and "scout-view" radiographs. The value for cephalometric analysis]

Is the scout-view as reliable as the standard lateral view for cephalometric analysis? Cephalometric data (Delaire analysis) were obtained in ten patients with CT-scan and standard x-ray for comparison. Qualitative results showed imprecisions for craniofacial contours and soft tissue ptosis. Quantitative results were analyzed statistically and revealed a significantly higher level of error with scout-view tracings. The scout-view does not appear to be as reliable and takes longer to acquire than the standard lateral x-ray: for the pediatric population, it could be a disadvantage.