BaS analysis: a new cephalometric study for craniofacial malformations

• Published in: Child's nervous system 2009-08, Vol.25 (8), p.997-1006
• Main Authors: Pelo, Sandro, Cacucci, Laura, Boniello, Roberto, Moro, Alessandro, Deli, Roberto, Grippaudo, Cristina, Di Rocco, Concezio, Tamburrini, Gianpiero, Massimi, Luca, Caldarelli, Massimo, Gasparini, Giulio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acrocephalosyndactylia - pathology; Adolescent; Cephalometry - methods; Craniofacial Abnormalities - pathology; Face - abnormalities; Face - pathology; Facial Bones - abnormalities; Facial Bones - growth & development; Facial Bones - pathology; Female; Humans; Mandible - abnormalities; Mandible - pathology; Maxillofacial Development; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neurosciences; Neurosurgery; Rotation; Technical Note
• ISSN: 0256-7040; 1433-0350
• DOI: 10.1007/s00381-009-0834-6

Object Patients submitted to surgical advancement of the upper and middle facial third might have a relapse of the skeletal retraction after the removal of the distractor devices. Clinical signs related to this process are usually represented by exophthalmos, Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) or prognathism; however, the analytic definition of the relapse is very difficult , conventional cephalometric methods being influenced by the spatial movement of “N” (nasion) or “Or” (orbital) points. The authors present a new cephalometric technique that could be used as a more objective mean of follow-up evaluation of patients undergoing craniofacial advancement. Materials and methods The cephalometric analysis proposed is based on angles, lines, areas and distances between BaS (Basion-Sella) axis and other craniofacial landmark points. We have defined this cephalometric technique as “BaS Analysis”. Conclusion The “BaS analysis” is not influenced by splanchnocranium movements in the space; for this reason, it can be considered a useful method for cephalometric analysis in the follow-up of patients with craniofacial malformations.