High-frequency ultrasound in the measurement of pediatric craniofacial integrity

OBJECTIVE., This study evaluates the use of high-frequency ultrasound in the measurement of the material nature of the pediatric craniofacial skeleton. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Three desiccated human skulls, aged 1 year, 5 years, and adult, underwent ultrasonic evaluation at 6 sites on each hemicranium. RESULTS: The overall mean signal reflection coefficients for the infant, child, and adult skulls are 98.8 mV (13.75 mV SD)), 172mV (24.5 mV SD)), and 230 mV (23.5 mV SD)), respectively. The mean signal reflection coefficient is positively correlated with increasing chronological age. Comparison of intrasubject signal patterns suggests bone density fields, which vary as a function of growth. CONCLUSION: High-frequency ultrasound provides accurate measurements of the osseous impedance of the craniofacial skeleton. Pattern analysis suggests increases in skull density with greater growth and age. SIGNIFICANCE. Although further testing must be performed in vivo, high-frequency ultrasound may accurately measure the osseous impedance of the pediatric craniofacial skeleton.