Journal of Forensic Research

Objectives: This study verified the reliability and accuracy of linear measurements performed in CBCT in Multi Planar Reconstruction (MPR), in MIP visualization mode, at minimum (STmin) and maximum (STmax) slab thicknesses for quantitative evaluation of facial anatomical structures.

Materials and methods: 17 skulls from biobank of the Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology and Dentistry of University of São Paulo (OFLab- FOUSP) were selected for measurement of 10 linear distances. The skulls were measured in three different ways, one directly on the skull (gold standard) and two on Horos Software (in STmin and STmax). Direct measurement on skull was compared to indirect measurements. Thus, group A (skull-STmin) and group B (skull-STmax) were analysed and the significance level of 5% was adopted.

Results: Inter- and intra-examiner ICC (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient) was excellent. The consistency of measurements between the methods in groups A and B was verified by Bland-Altman analysis. Group B showed greater measurement accuracy, however, mean difference was found smaller than 1 mm in group A.

Conclusions: Craniometric measurements performed at any thickness interval between the minimum and the maximum can be considered reliable for craniofacial anthropometric analysis, apart from measurements located in the midline of the skull base.