A new predictive modality of cranial bone thickness /

Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated regional variations in the thickness of the calvarium which can adversely affect surgery in this region. An accurate intraoperative method of skull thickness measurement is not available to enhance the safety and efficacy of these procedures. The aim of this research represents the first attempt to examine the reliability of A-mode ultrasound for this purpose.Acoustic measures of bone thickness were analyzed followed by serial modifications of existing ultrasound probes. Standardized calvarial sites were identified and marked for experimentation with human cadaveric and live animal skull models. The individual points were insonified using an appropriately calibrated A-mode ultrasound transducer. As a gold standard, these values were then compared with digital caliper measurements and assessed for accuracy, validity and reliability.Statistical analyses revealed strikingly convergent values in skull thickness using A-mode ultrasound. These results clearly show that A-mode ultrasonic measurements are accurate, valid and reliable in predicting the thickness of the calvarium. This preliminary study can allow for the development of a new predictive modality of cranial bone thickness