Morphometric methods to evaluate craniofacial growth: study in rabbits.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of direct and indirect measurement methods, with a view to standardizing morphometry instruments. METHODS: Dry skulls of 30 New Zealand rabbits were used. Measurements were made with a transparent flexible plastic ruler, an EKG calliper and a digital calliper, as well as with computerized tomography and lateral radiographs for direct and indirect analysis of distances and angles. RESULTS: The different instruments studied showed only partial agreement. CONCLUSIONS: A standardized and reliable direct or indirect morphometry method for the craniofacial skeleton of rabbits still has not been determined.