Exploring the validity and consistency of antero-posterior skeletal dysplasia indicators: a comprehensive cephalometric study.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to check the reliability of different antero-posterior skeletal discrepancy indicators and to compare and correlate various craniofacial measurements taken from cephalometric radiographs, to check the reliability of the linear and angular geometric measurements in clinical diagnosis.

Methods: A sample of 60 pretreatment lateral cephalographs were taken. Eighteen cephalometric landmarks were marked and considered for the cephalometric measurements; 5 reference planes were considered; 9 linear measurements and 11 angular measurements were taken into consideration to check the reliability.

Results: Mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values were calculated for all the parameters, for all 60 samples. Based on the results of the χ² test, Pi linear, AXD angle, Yen angle and Beta angle were significant at P<0.05. Pearsons correlation analysis yielded that Pi linear was negatively correlated with maxilla-mandibular differential. Yen, Beta, HBN and W angles were positively correlated with each other.

Conclusions: The reliable parameters found in this study were Pi linear, YEN angle, Beta angle and AXD angle for clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. In conclusion we found that utilization of at least a combination of two or more parameters for the diagnosis and treatment plan should be done in order to be able to yield accurate diagnosis and results.