Cartographic mapping of the skull from computed tomography scans

Contemporary imaging technologies (i.e., computed tomography [CT] and magnetic resonance imaging) generate an overwhelming amount of data. Salient features from these data must be abstracted and presented to facilitate anatomical comprehension and imaging utility. Three-dimensional surface and volumetric reformations of CT data have extended the integration of high resolution CT data to the study and management of craniofacial deformities. Nonetheless, conventional displays of such imaging require multiple images to assess symmetry, sutural status, and traumatic disruption of the skull. We therefore devised a methodology to apply cylindrical cartographic mapping for display of the entire skull on 1 image. Cartographic mapping was used to evaluate the skulls of patients with congenital asymmetry due to hemifacial microsomia, craniosynostosis, and complex comminuted craniofacial fractures. Cartographic mapping does effectively display the entire skull in 1 image. Such images are useful to assess craniofacial symmetry, sutural status, and comminuted fractures. However, cartographic images cannot define anterior-posterior relationships, and they must be augmented with more traditional data displays for assessment of intermaxillary and jaw-cranial base relations.