The reliability and variability of SN and PFH reference planes in cephalometric diagnosis and therapeutic planning of dentomaxillofacial malformations

Gender Dimorphism of Skeletal Measurements and Dental Angle Classification in Orthodontic Patients

AIM

The present study aimed to evaluate gender dimorphism of the skeletal and dental angles and measurements among different types of malocclusions in the Population of Jizan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cephalometric data were retrieved from the archived records of 272 dental patients, comprising 134 males and 138 females. Skeletal and dental malocclusions in both the sub-groups were digitally studied.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The measurement reliability was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to evaluate the difference in skeletal and dental parameters between genders. The Chi-square test was done to determine the difference in malocclusion patterns amongst the gender.

RESULTS

Statistical significance was noted in dental malocclusion (p-value = 0.003) and facial height, with females having a steeper mandible plan than males. The Sella-nasion-Nasion-Vertical line angles were reported high in females with no statistical significance. Linear cephalometric values were measured higher in males than females, whereas angular values and facial height parameters were lower in females than male.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitation of this study, it could be concluded that there is a prominent difference measured in facial profiles of males and females with higher facial height in males. Clinical significance and limitations: These clinical outcomes will help orthodontists to analyze the accurate base angles and points to draft proper treatment plans considering the variation in the profile of males and females.

Orthodontic-Orthopedic-Surgical Treatment of Syndromic Third Class: Proposal of a New Craniofacial Cephalometric Method

The management of patients suffering from class III due to syndromic craniosynostosis requires a multidisciplinary team to prevent and correct the complex clinical features related to the syndrome. Among the main clinical features, the midface hypoplasia requires surgical advancement with a rigid external distraction device. The comparison of pre- and postdistraction lateral cephalometries is often difficult in these patients, because the craniofacial advancement mobilizes the landmarks routinely used in cephalometry. Aim of this study is to evaluate occlusal, maxillary, and facial changes obtained after the midface osteodistraction using as reference the PM plane, that does not undergo postsurgical spatial modifications.The before and after surgery lateral X-rays of 12 patients were compared to test the cephalometric protocol: 10 angles and 11 linear distances were evaluated.The cephalometric comparison before and after osteodistractions of syndromic class III, using as reference the Enlow's PM plane, has confirmed the data present in current literature, consisting in forward and downward movements of facial middle 3rd, with clockwise rotation of the splanchnocranium and increase of the facial heights. The use of the PM plane as reference could be the solution to problems that have been an obstacle for the study of occlusal and facial changes in patients affected by craniofacial dysostosis.

Accuracy of two cephalometric analyses in the treatment of patients with skeletal class III malocclusion

The aim of the present study was to compare the treatment plan outlined from the diagnosis obtained by two different cephalometric analyses with the clinical decision made for surgical treatment of patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion. For this purpose, 82 skeletal Class III patients were evaluated, divided into three groups according to the surgical procedure performed for dentofacial deformity correction. Their preoperative cephalometric radiographs were submitted to McNamara and Steiner cephalometric analyses. The association of variables was evaluated by Kappa correlation (α=5%). The agreement between indication of surgical procedures performed based on clinical decision and surgical treatment indicated based on the evaluation of McNamara and Steiner cephalometric analyses were not significant (p=0.609 and p=0.544, respectively). McNamara and Steiner analyses showed reasonable agreement with each other as to the diagnosis, but did not agree with the clinical decision to treat skeletal CIII patients. Both tests were equally inaccurate in the indication of the surgical treatment.