Analysis of craniofacial asymmetry by multiplane cephalometry

A three-dimensional, multiplane cephalometric analysis is presented. This analysis permits visualization of skeletal midlines at selected depths of the craniofacial complex. When the midlines and associated anatomic structures are studied sequentially, the individual midlines may be combined conceptually into a warped midsagittal "plane." This localizes craniofacial asymmetry in the posteroanterior and basilar views. The study of structures in various coronal and transverse planes makes it possible to measure and record the three-dimensional relationships of anatomic structures to one another. A case of hemicraniofacial microsomia in which this analysis was used is presented.