Volumetric measurement of human orbit by means of computed tomographic analysis based on CT scanning digital data

ObjectiveTo establish and elucidate a feasible method by CT- scanning-based computed tomographic analysis for the volumetric measurement of orbit. Methods In this study, 19 dry intact dried skulls were used. CT digital data with continuous 0.625 mm transaxial sections was available for each and was inputted a professional tomographic analysis software in DICOM format. Subsequent to the orbital borderline limned on each of continuous axial images, software automatically generated three-dimensional orbital image and gave a value of orbital volume. In mean while, handcraft measurement of orbital volume was carried out for each and obtained another group of orbital volume value. Statistical analysis was made to test possible difference between two measurements. Results It was demonstrated that volumetric measurement by means of computed tomographic software had a accuracy of the 1.38%. Right and left orbital volumes were found to have a mean difference of 0.3ml(0～1.4ml). ConclusionsCT data-based computed tomographic analysis is a reliable method to measure orbital volume, which could be potentially used to determine the alternation of orbital volume after fracture.