Methodology for the correction of a CBCT volume from the skull to the natural head position

The orientation of the head during the acquisition of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is crucial for accurate cephalometric measurements. However, involuntary head movements during the scan can result in misaligned images. This study presents a method to correct the natural head position (NHP) in CBCT skull images after acquisition. Initially, slices were reorganized, and volumes were oriented in RAI coordinates. Next, the Yaw angle in the axial plane was estimated using the fronto-zygomatic sutures (FZS). The Roll angle in the coronal plane was estimated using the centroids of the ocular cavities. Finally, the Pitch angle in the sagittal plane was measured (by the Sella Turcica (S) and Nasion (N) as reference points) and adjusted to reference values of 3.8° for males and 4.1° for females. These calculated angles are used to adjust the CBCT volumes, aligning the images with the NHP.•The method corrects misalignment in CBCT skull images due to involuntary head movements, ensuring accurate cephalometric measurements.•Reference points like fronto-zygomatic sutures, ocular cavity centroids, and the Sella-Nasion line were used to adjust head position in all anatomical planes.•The approach aligns CBCT volumes to the NHP after capture, reducing errors in cephalometric analysis and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.