A novel method using 3D CBCT to assess anterior malar prominence among native Bangalore population- A descriptive study

There is a lack of accurate three-dimensional studies to locate malar prominence for specified population, this study aims to locate the malar prominence using stable landmarks using CBCT. To derive a novel method to accurately locate the malar prominence and to assess and compare the malar prominence between males and females among Bangalore population using 3D CBCT study. All CBCT scans of study subjects belong to Bangalore population were collected from the pre-existing data available in Radiology imaging Solutions (CBCT centre), Bangalore during the period of September 10th to October 10th 2020. This is a descriptive study. A total of 42 subjects including 21 Males and 21 females were assessed using full skull CBCT scans which were converted to DICOM format and reconstructed into 3D images using NEMOCEPH 3D software. Landmarks used to locate the malar prominence were Fzs, Z, Zm and Ans. The intersection of these landmarks is considered to be as constructed maxillozygion(My). For the accuracy of the constructed Maxillozygion point (My), the distance between the actual Maxillozygion (Mzy) and constructed Maxillozygion (My) is measured and calculated between left and right halves of males and females. Three Orthogonal planes constructed were Midsagittal, Axial and Coronal Planes and the linear measurements with reference to all three reference planes in both the groups are measured. Student paired t- Test, Independent Student t Test, Mann Whitney Test. The mean distance from Mzy and my between right and left half of the face was compared using student paired t- Test. There is no significant difference (p=0.35).The mean values of the constructed anatomical landmark (maxillozygion) coordinated to three orthogonal planes between right and left sides of the face is compared using student paired T test and for both the genders (males and females) was compared using Independent Student t Test, and it is significantly higher in males as compared to females and it is statistically significant at (p=0.01). The location of malar prominence using CBCT by a novel method for Bangalore population is found which can be helpful in diagnosis and treatment planning for malar augmentation, camouflage treatment in subjects with midface deficiencies.