Lateral Cephalogram
Pronunciation: LAT-er-al sef-AL-oh-gram
A standardised lateral skull radiograph taken at a fixed distance with the patient in the natural head position, used as the primary imaging modality for cephalometric analysis in orthodontics.
Full Definition
The lateral cephalogram (also called lateral cephalometric radiograph) provides a two-dimensional image of the craniofacial skeleton in the sagittal plane. It allows measurement of skeletal, dental, and soft-tissue landmarks to guide diagnosis and treatment planning. Editors working on orthodontic documents should be aware that 'cephalogram' and 'cephalometric radiograph' are used interchangeably, but 'cephalograph' is non-standard and should be corrected. The document type is distinct from the OPG and the periapical radiograph. When cited, the date of the radiograph and the analysis performed (e.g., Steiner, Ricketts) should accompany the reference.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'lateral cephalogram' or 'lateral cephalometric radiograph'. Flag 'cephalograph' as non-standard. Abbreviation 'ceph' is acceptable in informal clinical notes but should be expanded in formal reports.
In Context
- "The lateral cephalogram taken at the start of treatment revealed an ANB angle of 5°." — Orthodontic case summary
- "'Cephalograph' in the draft was queried and replaced with the standard term 'lateral cephalogram'." — Proofreading correction log