A CEPHALOMETRIC STUDY

Abstract

Background: Morphological characteristics of various races and populationgroups usually appear in geographical knots and clusters. Standardized cephalometricrecordsare immensely valuable for clinical and forensic purposes.In spite of its clinical significance nodata is available about the cephalic indices and prevalence of cephalic phenotypes in SouthernPunjab. Objectives: This study was undertaken to record baseline cephalometric data, cephalicindices and craniotypes. Study design: A cross-sectional population study. Place and durationof study: The study was carried out at the Multan Medical and Dental College, Multan and tookabout fourteen months to complete. Material and methods: The study was conducted on 672adult individuals (430 males and 242 females) from in and around the city of Multan in SouthernPunjab. Linear measurements of the head including maximum cranial length (glabella-inionlength), maximum cranial breadth (maximum bi-parietal diameter) and maximum auricularhead height were recorded using a digital spreading caliper. Results of measurements wereexpressed as mean ± SD. Comparison of the mean values and various proportions betweensexes was performed. The horizontal, vertical and transverse cranial indices were calculatedusing these measurements. Craniotyping was based on the ranges in various cephalic indices.Results: Differences regarding the mean of cranial length, cranial breadth and height weresignificantly larger in males as compared to females (P<0.001). The mean vertical, horizontaland transverse cephalic indices in the males and females were 79.13 ± 5.56, 78.31 ± 5.19,103 ± 7.78 and 78.32 ± 6.40, 78.32 ± 4.67, 100 ± 8.67 respectively.Most of the samplesdepicted craniotypes as mesocephalic and dolichocephalic both in the males and the females.Conclusion: The study provides baseline cephalometric data from a population of SouthernPunjab that may have its potential in clinical application and future research.