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Analysis of Facial Asymmetry in Deformational Plagiocephaly Using Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Review
Il Yung Moon1, So Young Lim1, Kap Sung Oh1
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Infants with deformational plagiocephaly (DP) experience facial asymmetry, particularly in the nose and mandible. Cranial vault asymmetry significantly correlates with these facial deformities.
Area of Science:
- Craniofacial morphology
- Pediatric imaging analysis
- Biomechanical analysis of infant skull development
Background:
- Deformational plagiocephaly (DP) is characterized by cranial vault deformities and associated facial asymmetry in infants.
- Understanding the relationship between cranial and facial structures is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the influence of cranial vault deformities on facial asymmetry in infants with DP.
- To utilize 3D anthropometric data for a detailed cephalometric assessment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 3D CT scans from infants with DP (n=48) and controls (n=30).
- Comparison of 22 distance and 2 angular parameters using 16 landmarks and 3 reference planes.
- Correlation analysis between cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) and facial measurements.
Main Results:
- Infants with DP exhibited greater facial asymmetry than controls, notably in the nose and mandible.
- Mandibular and nasal asymmetry showed a strong correlation with CVA severity.
- Significant ipsilateral mandibular body shortening was observed; maxilla and ear showed no significant deformity.
Conclusions:
- Cranial vault deformity in DP is directly associated with facial asymmetry.
- Infants with DP present with distinct nasal and mandibular asymmetry compared to healthy controls.
Background:
Infants with deformational plagiocephaly (DP) usually present with cranial vault deformities as well as facial asymmetry. The purpose of this study was to use three-dimensional anthropometric data to evaluate the influence of cranial deformities on facial asymmetry.
Methods:
We analyzed three-dimensional computed tomography data for infants with DP (n=48) and without DP (n=30, control). Using 16 landmarks and 3 reference planes, 22 distance parameters and 2 angular parameters were compared. This cephalometric assessment focused on asymmetry of the orbits, nose, ears, maxilla, and mandible. We then assessed the correlation between 23 of the measurements and cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) for statistical significance using relative differences and correlation analysis.
Results:
With the exception of few orbital asymmetry variables, most measurements indicated that the facial asymmetry was greater in infants with DP. Mandibular and nasal asymmetry was correlated highly with severity of CVA. Shortening of the ipsilateral mandibular body was particularly significant. There was no significant deformity in the maxilla or ear.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrated that the cranial vault deformity in DP is associated with facial asymmetry. Compared with the control group, the infants with DP were found to have prominent asymmetry of the nose and mandible.
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