Cephalometric Characteristics of Cameroonian Adults: Dimensional Analysis of 80 Cases

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: The reference values used in Cephalometry to determine the orthodontic treatment to be realized are mostly of Caucasian origin. In Cameroon, the need for care is growing; but little information is available in Cephalometry. Should we treat with imported cephalometric standards? To answer this question, we conducted this study in order to determine the craniofacial morphological characteristics of a sample of Cameroonian subjects in the Yaounde Central hospital having high health standard in Cameroon. Methodology: We carried out an analytical study at the Yaounde Central Hospital from January to March 2016, on scout view scanographic images of patients, aged 20 to 50 years. 15 cephalometric variables were measured and their mean values and standard deviation calculated. To determine the reference values, we used indicator means with their 95% confidence interval as the best estimator of our population measures. Results: We included 80 subjects with an average age was 32.3years. Cameroonian subjects have sex differences only for SNB and SND measures that were higher in men. Compared with Caucasian values according to Steiner, the Cameroonian population had a protrusive dento-alveolar structure with higher average values except for inter-incisal angles 119.3o and SND 78.8o which showed a lower value against 1310 and 790 for Steiner. Conclusion: Differences between Cameroonian men and women were in SNB and SND measurements that were higher in men. The averages of the Cameroonian sample are significantly different from the Caucasian averages in most measurements. Considering these differences, this work enabled us to propose a charter of cephalometric values, thus providing clear indications as to the type of Cameroonian.