A Pascal computer program for digitizing lateral cephalometric radiographs.

Abstract

The authors describe a new program for cephalometric analysis which uses a commonly available microprocessor (computer) and digitizing pad to register fifteen commonly identified cephalometric landmarks to produce a meaningful analysis which is printed out for permanent or hard-copy record. Conventional and digitizing errors of cephalometric measurement are reviewed, with a discussion of the advantages of computer-assisted programs. The authors describe a program that uses vectors and vector algebra and the capabilities of the Pascal computer language to determine angular measurements and distances. It is suggested that computer-assisted cephalometric programs will likely be widely used in the near future, providing the orthodontist with a superior method of cephalometric analysis with respect to accuracy and speed of completion.