Validity and reproducibility of cephalometric measurements performed in full and hemifacial reconstructions derived from cone beam computed tomography

Objective: To test the reproducibility and validity of angular measurements from virtual lateral cephalometric radiography (LCR) reconstructions (full and hemifacial on both sides) derived from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight CBCT and LCR images were selected. CBCT volume data were imported into Nemotec software, and virtual LCR images and tomographic slices from CBCT images were assessed. Three observers digitized landmarks used for 12 angular measurements in CBCT images from all patients at two different times. The LCR were evaluated by two examiners, and the mean of the measurements was used as the gold standard. Results: The virtual hemifacial LCR of tomographic slices on the right side showed statistically different higher measures. The same modality on both sides showed less absolute differences for most measures except FMIA and interincisal angles. All modalities had excellent reproducibility. Conclusions: The angular measurements made on virtual LCR reconstructions derived from CBCT are reproducible and valid. Some advantage was found over virtual hemifacial LCR on both sides of the image, mainly in its handling facility.