BaS analysis: a new cephalometric study for craniofacial malformations

Childs Nerv Syst. 2009 Aug;25(8):997-1006. doi: 10.1007/s00381-009-0834-6. Epub 2009 Feb 27.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • 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
  • Rotation