Accuracy of "Reading" Untraced Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs Among Practicing Orthodontists

Abstract

Objective: To determine if orthodontic clinicians are able to ascertain diagnostic information from untraced lateral cephalometric radiographs.

Materials and Methods: A survey consisting of 5 cases was presented to practicing orthodontists. Each case presented a lateral cephalometric radiograph and included ten questions requiring the respondent to make clinical judgments and approximations of the following variables: skeletal classification, maxilla and mandibular skeletal relationship, SNA, SNB, ANB, vertical skeletal classification, FMA, molar relationship, maxillary incisor proclination, and mandibular incisor proclination. 46 responses were collected and analyzed. Results: Case 3, the normodivergent, Skeletal Class I patient had the highest percentage of correct answers across almost all parameters. Case 1, a borderline Skeletal Class I/II patient had the lowest percentage of correct answers across all parameters. Conclusion: Practicing orthodontists’ ability to evaluate lateral cephalometric radiographs through visual examination is determinant on case type. Skeletal class I patients are the easiest from which to ascertain data while borderline Skeletal Class I/Class II patients were the most difficult.