Evaluation of the reliability of posteroanterior analysis used with conventional and computerized methods

Evaluation of the Reliability of Posteroanterior Analysis Used with Conventional and Computerized MethodsCephalometric radiography is a widely used diagnostic tool for evaluation of craniofacial complex, assessment of morphology and growth, diagnosis and treatment planning, evaluating results of growth and the effects of orthodontic treatment. Lateral cephalograms provide pertinent information on skeletal, dental and soft tissue morphology and relationships, whereas posteroanterior cephalograms provide information on skeletal and dentoalveolar relationships in the transverse plane and are used primarily to assess skeletal and dental asymmetries. The aim of this study is to compare measurements on posteroanterior radiographs that was traced with conventional and computer-aided cephalometric analysis and evaluate reliability of techniques. Pre-treatment posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs of 150 patients were used in this study. Direct digital posteroanterior radiographs were traced using Pordios for Windows (Institute of Orthodontic Computer Science, Denmark) software program. Conventional radiographs were obtained from digital radiographs using dry laser imager. Intraclass correlation coefficients were found below 0,90 for 6 of 25 parameters between two methods. However, reliability of all parameters were above 0,75. According to the paired t and Wilcoxon tests, statistically significant differences were found in all parameters except for 2 parameters (inter-canine width, buccal overjet of right molar), but differences between measurements were clinically acceptable. Measurement of mandibular width was the least reliable parameter. As a result, computer-aided posteroanterior cephalometric analysis method was found time saving and reliable, and was found to be a good alternative to conventional method.Key Words: Cephalometry, posteroanterior radiographs, reliability