COMPARISON AND CORRELATION BETWEEN MANDIBULAR ANTEGONIAL NOTCH DEPTH AND RAMUS MORPHOLOGY AMONG DIFFERENT PATTERNS OF GROWTH IN SKELETAL CLASS I, II AND III MALOCCLUSION SUBJECTS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To provide a comprehensive comparison and correlation of these indicators among all skeletal patterns. Methodology: A total of 180 lateral cephalograms (81 males, 99 females) of patients between ages 18 to 25 years, were distributed equally (60 each) among class I, II, and III malocclusion groups in this observational study conducted at AFID, Rawalpindi. These were further sub-grouped (20 each) as average, horizontal and vertical growth patterns based on Jarabak’s ratio. Results: The AND was considerably deep in class I and class II vertical growers (p < 0.01) than in average and horizontal growers. Also, RH values were greatest for class I and class II horizontal growers (p < 0.05). In class I vertical group, a strong relationship between RH and RW (r=0.521) was observed. In class II horizontal group, AND showed a negative correlation with RH (r= -0.520) and RW (r= -0.516). In class III average group, RW was significantly correlated with RH (r=0.50) and AND (r=0.489). Conclusion: Vertical growers manifested the greatest AND values contrasted to both average and horizontal growers except class III subjects. Ramal height and width measurements were greatest in horizontal growers as opposed to the other two forms. Also, correlation exists between mandibular morphology and growth pattern. Thus, a thorough knowledge of varying mandibular anatomical patterning for all malocclusion groups is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning.