Better timing for treatments of children's face and skull growth
Evidence-based optimization of treatment timing in the craniofacial complex
This project uses thousands of 3D head CT scans to build modern growth charts that help doctors choose the best time to treat children's facial and skull concerns.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325851 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, this work is creating new 3D growth standards for the skull and face using cone-beam CT (CBCT) images so doctors can plan care around real 3D growth patterns. The team will draw on dense, long-term imaging data (about 40,000 CBCT scans) collected in prior projects to ensure reliable models. New automated software for placing key landmarks on 3D images will speed analysis and make measurements more consistent. The goal is to give clinicians practical, up-to-date growth information they can use when timing surgeries, orthodontics, or other craniofacial treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children from infancy through early childhood (roughly 0–11 years old) who need monitoring or treatment for craniofacial or orthodontic conditions are the most likely candidates to benefit from these new growth standards.
Not a fit: Adults and people without craniofacial growth concerns are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians could time surgeries and treatments more precisely to a child's 3D growth, improving outcomes and potentially reducing unnecessary procedures.
How similar studies have performed: Traditional 2D growth charts have guided care for decades, but applying large-scale 3D imaging to create modern growth standards is new and has not yet been widely implemented at this scale.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duren, Dana L — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Duren, Dana L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.