A comparative study on the repeatability and reliability between the manual and computer-assisted cephalometric measurement

The aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the repeatability and reliability of the results obtained by manual and computer assisted tracing of a group of cephalometric radiographs. A group of 60 initial cephalometric radiographs from 60 orthodontic patients, undertaken with the same radiological machine, was selected. The cephalometric radiographs were traced and measured using the classic (manual) method and the Orthalis cephalometric software, using the parameters of the Steiner and Tweed analysis. The measurements were repeated after a 30 days interval by the same examiner. The manual and cephalometric tracings presented a high degree of repeatability and accuracy. The cephalometric software represents a useful tool for the orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.