Comparative characteristics of the linear dimensions of various forms of the facial skull

For many years, radiography has traditionally been the main method for studying of the morphology of the facial skull and identifying craniofacial deformities, however, it is difficult to assess the typical variability of the linear dimensions of the facial skull on radiographs due to the many overlapping shadows of anatomical structures. Comparison of the results of craniometry of macerated skulls, radiographs and spiral computed tomography shows that multislice computed tomography in some cases can be the best alternative to conventional radiography and other methods of studying the facial skull. The purpose of the study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the linear dimensions of the facial skull with its various forms according to multislice computed tomography. Tomograms of 105 patients with different facial skull shapes were studied. Tomography was performed on a «Brilliance 64 Slice» multislice spiral X-ray computed tomography scanner at the Department of Magnetic Resonance and X-ray Computed Tomography of the Rostov State Medical University for suspected cerebrovascular pathology. The obtained images were analyzed using axial, multiplanar, and shadow density surface reconstructions in various projections. Measurements were made using a standard digital ruler of a computer tomography workstation, typical features of the linear dimensions of the facial skull were evaluated using the fan-beam method. In the studied group of individuals, the predominance of euryenes (46.7%, n=49) over mezenes (37.2%, n=35) and leptens (18.1%, n=9) was revealed. A comparative characteristic of the linear dimensions of the facial skull on spiral computed tomograms is described. According to the results of the study, the linear dimensions of the facial skull on the right dominate in leptens and euryenes, on the right in sections of the upper fan on the right, and on the left in sections of the lower and lateral fans. A left-sided asymmetry of the linear dimensions of the facial skull in sections of the lower fan, which is characteristic of mezenes, was established, while a right-sided asymmetry was found for euryenes and leptens. The data obtained as indicators of normal craniometry can be used in clinical practice by radiologists, plastic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, as well as in anthropology and forensic medicine.