Reliability of Point M as landmark for analysis of sagittal relation of maxilla

Abstract

Most of the several cephalometric analyses used for the diagnosis of sagittal dysplasia, Point A is the most widely used indicator for ascertaining of maxillary position. By the virtue of difficulty in locating point A in many cases, alternative methods had been proposed for precise location of point A but there are only few studies on the reliability of these alternative points. Point M is one such indicator for evaluating the sagittal position of maxilla. The objective of this study is to measure and compare the reliability of point A and point M.Lateral cephalogram of 50 subjects (11-20 years) were included in the study consisting of all types of skeletal malocclusions. Point A and point M were identified by two different group of orthodontists. Linear and angular measurements through both the points were analysed and compared between the observers using interclass correlation. Interclass correlation coefficient of linear and angular parameters of point M was found to be higher than point A. Point M may be considered as more reliable alternative for point A in two dimensional cephalometric analysis.