Lateral cephalometric analysis for treatment planning in orthodontics based on MRI compared with radiographs: A feasibility study in children and adolescents

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174524
• Publication Date: 2017-03-23T22:12:04Z
• Authors: Alexander Heil; Eduardo Lazo Gonz...; Tim Hilgenfeld; Philipp Kickinger...; Martin Bendszus; Sabine Heiland; Ann-Kathrin Ozga; Andreas Sommer; Christopher J. Lux; Sebastian Zingler
• Keywords: Cephalometric analysis; Gold standard (test); Bland–Altman plot

Objective The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is equivalent lateral cephalometric radiographs (LCR, "gold standard") in analysis. Methods applied MRI technique optimized for short scanning time, high resolution, contrast and geometric accuracy. Prior orthodontic treatment, 20 patients (mean age ± SD, 13.95 years 5.34) received LCR. datasets were postprocessed into cephalograms. Cephalometric analysis performed twice by two independent observers both modalities with an interval 4 weeks. Eight bilateral 10 midsagittal landmarks identified, 24 widely used measurements (14 angles, distances) calculated. Statistical using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman one-sided tests (TOST) within the predefined equivalence margin 2°/mm. Results Geometric accuracy confirmed phantom measurements. Mean intraobserver ICC 0.977/0.975 0.975/0.961 Average interobserver 0.980 0.929 showed levels agreement between modalities, bias range SD) -0.66 0.61 mm (0.06 0.44) distances -1.33 1.14° 0.71) angles. Except interincisal angle (p = 0.17) all statistically < 0.05). Conclusions This demonstrates feasibility treatment planning without radiation exposure based on MRI. High-resolution isotropic can be transformed cephalograms allowing reliable as routine concordance corresponding