Experiences with a new biplanar low-dose X-ray device for imaging the facial skeleton: A feasibility study

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a new biplanar low-dose X-ray device for facial skeletal imaging. METHODS: We evaluated 48 biplanar radiographs from 12 patients (posteroanterior/lateral), originally taken for a scoliosis examination with a biplanar low-dose X-ray device. For this study, the images were further evaluated for the perceptibility of 38 facial skeleton landmarks. To determine the reliability and reproducibility of perceptibility, two independent observers determined the landmarks twice, during a time interval of at least two weeks. RESULTS: Both interoperator and intraoperator reliability were excellent for all landmarks [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.92]. CONCLUSIONS: The biplanar low-dose X-ray device demonstrated good feasibility for precisely assessing the anatomical landmarks of the facial skeleton. Given its excellent precision, the biplanar low-dose X-ray device data sets should be forwarded from the treating orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon to the orthodontist or dentist for further assessment in their field.