Measurement of cranial bone thickness using A-mode ultrasound

There is significant variation in the thickness of cranio-maxillofacial bone. Bone thickness is essential information that enhances the success and safety of operations in this area. Complications can result from inaccurate predictions of bone thickness including: hemorrhage, infection and brain injury. Current assessments of bone thickness with plain X-rays and CT scans are expensive, not accurate, not portable nor of use in the operating room. Acoustic measurements of skull bone thickness were determined and compared to direct measurements using digital calipers. Comparisons between these data showed no statistical difference (t-test, P=0.576; Pearson correlation, r>0.998) and suggested that A-mode ultrasound could be a reliable tool for assessing the thickness of the calvarium for preoperative and intraoperative use.