Orientation of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Image: Pursuit of Perfect Orientation Plane in Three Dimensions—A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of nine reference planes used in orientation of as-received cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images in all three dimensions. Materials and Methods The study was conducted on CBCT images of 15 adult subjects (mean age 21.2 ± 5.8 years). The anonymized CBCT images were oriented using five different methods created from nine reference planes by two experienced orthodontists. For each subject, pitch, yaw, and roll changes with five orientation methods were recorded twice by each observer. Statistical Analysis The inter- and intraobserver agreement was tested using intraclass correlation (ICC) and Bland–Altman plot. The intra- and interobserver error was analyzed using paired t-test. Analysis of variance and paired t-test were used to analyze the differences among the various pitch, roll, and yaw orientation planes. Results Inter- and intraobserver agreement (ICC, 0.9) was excellent for all the nine reference planes. The interobserver reliability showed statistically significant differences for four planes namely Frankfort horizontal plane constructed on right side (p = 0.014) and left side (p = 0.000), transorbital plane (p = 0.001), and midsagittal plane on top view (p = 0.036); however, the mean differences were clinically insignificant. Conclusion The landmark-based nine reference planes used in this study to orient CBCT images showed good reproducibility. Therefore, these reference planes can be used to orient CBCT images and can be incorporated into automated software.

Reorientation methodology for reproducible head posture in serial cone beam computed tomography images

“…The proposed approach offers a promising improvement in addressing the fundamental step in the clinical and research-based use of CBCT data. By providing a harmonized starting point in 3D image visualization and analysis, our approach can improve the consistency of the existing methods (e.g., orientation with horizontal and vertical planes 33 ). Additionally, for practical utilization, custom improvements can be built upon the proposed protocol toward achieving a standard harmonious workflow in the domain of craniomaxillofacial imaging.…”

A comparative analysis of sphenoid and frontal sinuses using cone beam computed tomography for sex determination

“…The multiplanar reconstructed images were aligned in three planes such that the axial orientation of the slices was aligned to the Frankfurt horizontal plane. The coronal orientation of the slices was aligned to the plane along the anterior margins of the right and left external acoustic meatus, and the sagittal orientation of the slices was aligned to the mid-sagittal plane as described by Balachandran et al 18 The landmarks and planes were identified and aligned by correlating the 3D reconstructions as well as multiplanar imaging.…”