A procedure for the analysis of intrinsic facial form and growth. An equivalent-balance concept.

T his report introduces and describes a method of cephalometric evaluation for in&viduals based on their own particular morphologic and morphogenetic facial patterns. References to statistical population standards are not required. The purpose of the procedure is to analyze the nature of anatomic fit among the different bones of the craniofacial complex of one subject at any age and through time. The method is presented in two parts: (1) a “form analysis” which deals with facial pattern, construction, and dimensions and (2) a “growth analysis” which is concerned with an interpretation of incremental changes. This procedure is based on four basic morphologic concepts which are summarized below. The concept of architectural equivalence. In any functional assemblage of bones, such as the craniofacial complex, certain key dimensions must necessarily correspond between these bones in order to provide proper fit. A prescribed portion of each bone represents a direct architectural (dimensional) counterpart of some segment of another bone (or bones), even though their respective functions and other anatomic relationships are different. These dimensional analogues among bones are termed “equivalents.“3~ * If any two such equivalents match (or nearly match), a dimensional balance is thereby produced and morphologic fit is provided. If a match does not occur, however, corresponding architectural imbalance results and affects not only their own fit but that of other contiguous bones as well. As will be seen, an analysis of the nature of growth increments is a meaningful consideration, since continued growth can (1)