Determining protrusion cephalometric readings from panoramic radiographic images

In the present investigation, positions of head landmarks in panoramic x-ray images in relation to cephalometric landmarks were studied. Special landmarks in right and left sides of mandible were manually identified and calibrated with reference readings. The measured landmarks are compared for both sides with different panoramic duration times. Results between left and right were compared using a thin-plate spline (TPS) geometric tool. The averages of both sides were reported and compared with frontal cephalometric readings. Differences between left and right landmarks were found to be significant in relation to cephalometric landmarks and differences between different duration times.