Lateral Head Radiographs Research Articles

Evaluation of the soft tissue facial profile in different skeletal malocclusions in relation to age

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to assess the thickness of the soft tissue facial profile (STFP) in relation to the skeletal malocclusion, age and gender.MethodsAll patients, aged 7–35 years, who were seeking orthodontic treatment at the Department of Orthodontics, Medical University of Warsaw between 2019 and 22 were included in the study. All patients had lateral head radiographs taken before the treatment. The cephalometric analysis was performed including the STFP analysis. The patients were allocated to one of six groups based on age and skeletal relations (ANB angle). The minimum number of patients in each group was 60 with equal gender distribution. The STFP analysis included ten linear measurements.ResultsA total of 300 patients were included in the study and allocated to five groups. Group 6 (growing patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion) was not included in the study as it failed to achieve the assumed group size. There were significant differences in the thickness of the STFP in relation to the skeletal malocclusions. Adults with skeletal Class III malocclusion had significantly thicker subnasal soft tissues compared to patients with skeletal Class I and Class II malocclusions. The thickness of the lower lip in patients with Class II skeletal malocclusion was significantly bigger compared to the other groups. Children and adolescents with Class II malocclusions had thicker lower lip in comparison to the group with Class I malocclusion. The majority of the STFP measurements were significantly smaller in children and adolescents compared to adults. The thickness of the STFP in males was significantly bigger in all age groups compared to females.ConclusionsThe thickness of facial soft tissues depends on the patient’s age and gender. The degree of compensation of the skeletal malocclusion in the STFP may be a decisive factor during orthodontic treatment planning regarding a surgical approach or a camouflage treatment of skeletal defects.

Sagittal Position of the Upper Incisor in Relation to the Forehead in Peruvian Individuals with Different Skeletal Relationships.

The aim of this study was to determine the sagittal position of the upper incisor considering Andrews' analysis based on the position of the forehead in Peruvian individuals with different skeletal relationships. This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 212 lateral head radiographs of Peruvian individuals (males: 85, mean age 21.38 ± 6.88, and females: 127, mean age 21.18 ± 6.95), with different skeletal relationships (Class I group = 96, Class II group = 57, Class III group = 59). The values of the ANB, SNA, SNB angles as well as the forehead anterior limit line (FALL) and goal anterior limit line (GALL) points were identified in the radiographs, and then a vertical line was drawn in each point to determine if the upper incisor was positioned forward (protruded), backward (retruded) or within (adequate) these lines. Two trained and calibrated investigators performed all the measurements. The Chi-square test was used to evaluate associations. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Overall, the sagittal position of the upper incisor showed a significant association with the sagittal skeletal relationship (p = 0.001). The upper incisors showed an adequate position (41.7%), protruded position (56.10%), and retruded position (42.40%), for Class I, II, and III skeletal relationships, respectively, as highest percentages in each Class. Statistical significance was found for females only (p = 0.005). Skeletal Class I mainly showed an adequate position of the upper central incisor, whereas for Class II a protruded position was most frequently found, and Class III presented a retruded position. Andrews' analysis based on the position of the forehead in Peruvian individuals is a valuable tool for orthodontic diagnosis. How to cite this article: Bazán-Mendoza JR, Arias-Modesto PB, Ruíz-Mora GA, et al. Sagittal Position of the Upper Incisor in Relation to the Forehead in Peruvian Individuals with Different Skeletal Relationships. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(11):821-825.

Comparative study of the reliability and accuracy of posterior tooth root angulation measurements in lateral skull teleradiography and CBCT in a group of students of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Cuenca

The aim of this article is to analyze the reliability and accuracy of root angulation measurements of posterior teeth in lateral cephalic radiographs and cone beam tomography (CBCT) of a group of students of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Cuenca, by means of Nemocast. A total of 40 individuals were examined, of which, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 ondividuals were excluded, having as a final sample 28 individuals, of which 28 cone-beam tomographies and 28 lateral cephalic radiographs were examined, the analysis of the inclination of 336 posterior pieces. The occlusal plane of each patient was identified, determined from the upper incisal edge of the central incisor to the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar. Subsequently, lines were drawn at the level of the longitudinal axis of the maxillary and mandibular teeth to determine their inclination in the Nemocast program. Techniques such as observational and statistical were used where data was collected in Microsoft Excel 2010 tables. Regarding the results, it was determined that the CBCT has greater precision and reliability compared to the lateral teleradiography of the skull, where the average angulation of the posterior teeth is 90.26°. The upper right first premolars presented greater angulation (94.11°). The lower left first molars presented the lowest mesiodistal angulation of 87.83°. On the other hand, in lateral head radiographs the average angulation is 96.2°. The upper right first premolars presented the greatest angulation (105°) and the lower right second premolars presented the lowest angulation of 91.3°.

Comparison of the posterior teeth angulations in orthodontic patients with different facial growth patterns.

Dental relationships can be affected according to the pattern of facial growth. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the angulations of posterior teeth in patients with different patterns of facial growth. A total of 412 lateral head radiographs were included. The facial skeletal growth pattern was evaluated with the Björk-Jarabak analysis. For the angular measurements of the posterior teeth, the apex-cusp inclination of the premolars and the long axes of the molars were considered, with respect to the occlusal, palatal and mandibular plane. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the intra-examiner concordance. One way ANOVA was used to compare the values between the patterns of facial growth. A significance level was set at 0.05. A high intra-examiner correlation was observed (0.75). Subjects with horizontal and normal growth presented significantly different angulations for the first and second premolars in relation to the palatal plane than the vertical growth (p<0.05). Subjects with horizontal growth pattern showed greater angulation of the teeth with respect to the occlusal plane than the other groups (p<0.05). The angulations of all mandibular teeth related to the mandibular plane were significantly higher for the group with horizontal growth (p<0.05). The first and second premolars presented greater angulations in subjects with horizontal and normal growth than in those with vertical growth. The angulations of all mandibular teeth were significantly higher in the horizontal growth according to the mandibular plane. Key words:Facial growth pattern, posterior tooth, occlusal plane, palatal plane, mandibular plane.

Comparison of pharyngeal airway space on lateral head radiographs of skeletal class I and II individuals

To compare the space of the pharyngeal airway (nasopharynx and oropharynx) through lateral X-ray analysis in skeletal class II individuals with a control group composed of skeletal class I individuals. This study was of the observational, descriptive, transversal, and prospective type. The sample was made up by 60 lateral head radiographs distributed between 30 class I (ANB 2°±2° and class I malocclusion) and 30 skeletal class II radiographs (ANB>5° and malocclusion class II-1). Measurements of the airway space in the oropharynx and nasopharynx were taken in mm through the McNamara method on lateral head radiographs. The average space found in the oropharynx in class I was 11.71mm ± 3.18mm. In the class II group, it was 10.73mm ± 2.36mm. No significant differences were found (p=0.18). The average space found in the nasopharynx in the class I group was 18.45mm ± 4.11mm. In the class II group, it was 19.10mm ± 3.89mm. There were no significant differences found (p=0.53). The airway space in mm. of the nasopharynx presents similar values in millimeters in subjects with Class I and Class II skeletal malocclusion. There is no difference in the airway spaces of the oropharynx in subjects with Class I and Class II Malocclusions.

Estudio piloto: Medidas mandibulares en población infantil

Introducción: El propósito del presente estudio es estimar el promedio de valores cefalométricos de niñas y niños mexicanos de 8 años de edad, residentes en la ciudad de México y comparar la información obtenida con estándares extranjeros. Métodos: Se determinaron los valores promedio de cuatro medidas mandibulares y doce del análisis de McNamara, se utilizaron 50 cefalogramas laterales de niños y 50 de niñas de 8 años de edad con oclusión clase I de Angle, sin tratamiento ortodóncico ni ortopédico. Resultados: Las muestras de los niños resentan mayor tamaño en sus estructuras óseas; el espacio faríngeo superior e inferior es mayor en las niñas. Hay diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre niños y niñas en la longitud mandibular total, la longitud del cuerpo mandibular, la altura del tercio facial inferior y la proyección anterior del mentón. Conclusiones: El presente estudio demuestra que existen diferencias cefalométricas significativas entre niños y niñas, así como entre las muestras italiana, americana y mexicana.

Determining the variation in premaxillary and dentary bone morphology that may underlie beak shape between two pure layer lines

Beak treatment is an effective method of reducing the damage inflicted by severe feather pecking (SFP) but there is significant pressure to eliminate these treatments and rely solely on alternative strategies. Substantial variation in beak shape exists within non-beak treated layer flocks and beak shape appears to be heritable. There is the potential to use this pre-existing variation and genetically select for hens whose beak shapes are less apt to cause damage during SFP. To do this, we must first understand the range of phenotypes that exist for both the external beak shape and the bones that provide its structure. The objective of this study was to determine the variation in premaxillary (within the top beak) and dentary (within the bottom beak) bone morphology that exists in 2 non-beak treated pure White Leghorn layer lines using geometric morphometrics to analyze radiographs. Lateral head radiographs were taken of 825 hens and the premaxillary and dentary bones were landmarked. Landmark coordinates were standardized by Procrustes superimposition and the covariation was analyzed by principal components analysis and multivariate regression using Geomorph (an R package). Three principal components (PCs) explained 85% of total premaxillary bone shape variation and showed that the shape ranged from long and narrow with pointed bone tips to short and wide with more curved tips. Two PCs explained 81% of total dentary bone shape variation. PC1 described the dentary bone length and width and PC2 explained the angle between the bone tip and its articular process. For both bones, shape was significantly associated with bone size and differed significantly between the two lines. Bone size accounted for 42% of the total shape variation for both bones. Together, the results showed a range of phenotypic variation in premaxillary and dentary bone shape, which in turn may influence beak shape. These bone phenotypes will guide further quantitative genetic and behavioral analyses that will help identify which beaks shapes cause the least damage when birds engage in SFP.

Analysis of skeletal maturity of children with cleft palate in terms of healthy children by the CVM method.

For many years, the analysis of bone age X-rays have been used for the hand and wrist, which were assessed on the basis of changes in the various centers of ossification. These images, however, do not constitute a diagnostic element of cleft defects, leading to additional exposure of the patient to X-rays. The problem was solved by using lateral head films, which enabled the interpretation of the morphological changes in the cervical spine to evaluate skeletal development stages. The objective of this work is to define the differences between the skeletal age and chronological age of children with malocclusion and congenital craniofacial disorders - primary and secondary palate cleft. The study material comprised 90 lateral cephalometric radiographs of patients at the age of 7 to 16 (45 lateral head radiographs of patients with various occlusion disorders and 45 lateral head radiographs of patients with various types of primary and secondary palate cleft). Then, all the lateral cephalometric radiographs were analysed in terms of the shape of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th cervical vertebra in line with the Cervical Stage method (CS), developed by Baccetti et al. in 2005. Patients with malocclusions without malformations achieved various stages of bone development at an earlier chronological age compared with patients with primary and secondary palate. An exception was the phase CS 3 (early growth spurt) development disorders, in which patients with different types of cleft had lower chronological age compared with patients with malocclusion. The method that allows for an assessment of the development of skeletal maturity is the analysis of the shape of the cervical vertebrae in lateral head film.

A case–control study of craniofacial features of children with obstructed sleep apnea

This study aims to analyze differences in the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue components of craniofacial structure predisposing to the pediatric obstructive sleep apnea, by a comparison of the cephalograms between children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and controls. The study enrolled a total of 30 children who were composed of the following two groups: 15 OSA patients and 15 controls. The two groups were strictly matched by age and sex. Lateral head radiographs were obtained and then cephalometric measurements were compared between the two. Fifty-six measurements were determined to study various skeletal, soft tissue, and airway structure. Marked differences were demonstrated in terms of SNB, PG-NB, lower facial height, H-C3Me, and adenoid (A) and tonsil (T/P). The SNB angle (75.82 ± 4.30) in case group was smaller than in the control (78.71 ± 2.61; p = 0.035), the PG/NB value in case group (1.32 ± 0.84 mm) was higher than that in the control (0.62 ± 0.60 mm; p = 0.015). The anterior lower facial height was 65.12 ± 5.91 mm in case group (p = 0.048), while the anterior lower facial height in control was 61.51 ± 3.22 mm. The position of hyoid was lower in case group (5.30 ± 3.67 mm) compared with the control one (2.64 ± 2.58 mm; p = 0.029). Furthermore, the patients with OSA had larger As and T/Ps than the controls. The case group differed from the control group in the length of mandible, anterior lower facial height, position of hyoid and the chin, and the size of the As and T/Ps.

Cephalometric characteristics of Class II division 1 malocclusion in a Saudi population living in the western region

To describe and analyze the cephalometric dento-skeletal characteristics associated with Angle's Class II, division 1 malocclusion in Saudi population living in the western region. The material examined included 149 lateral head radiographs comprising two series: (1) 85 films of children with Class II, division 1 malocclusion and (2) 62 films of children with "normal" occlusion. Age range of the representing children was 10-13years. In Class II division 1 subjects, the maxilla was prognathic in relation to anterior cranial base. The mandible was normally positioned in relation to anterior cranial base. Upper incisors were proclined and lower incisors were normally positioned. The cranial base angle was not different between the two groups. In the western region of Saudi Arabia, Class II division 1 malocclusion has specific characteristics. The presence of prognathic maxilla, in this sample, indicates that the use of head gear therapy might be more appropriate than functional appliances when treating Class II division 1 malocclusion in Saudis living in the Western region.

Modified Bjork Analysis of Lateral Head Radiographs of Southern Chinese

Aim: To establish cephalometric norms for the modified Bjork's cephalometric analysis in southern Chinese children, and compare them to those of a matched Caucasian sample. Materials and Methods: The material comprised lateral cephalometric radiographs of a random sample of 200 males and 205 females 12-year-old southern Chinese, and an additional sample of 43 males and 43 females 12-year-old British Cau- casian children in Hong Kong. The radiographs were digitized twice with the Computer-Assisted Simulation System for Orthognathic Surgery (CASSOS) program. Results: The results showed that there were statistically significant ethnic differences for 15 out of the 17 cephalometric variables (P<0.05-0.001). There were statistically significant ethnic differences for 11 variables in males (P<0.05-0.001) and 15 variables in females (P<0.05-0.001). The size of the statistically significant gender differences varied from -0.4 to 0.8 (P<0.05-0.001) in SD scores for Chinese and from 0.5 to 0.6 (P<0.01) for Caucasian. The size of the observed statisti- cally significant ethnic differences varied from -1.7 to 1.3 (P<0.05-0.001) in SD scores for female and from -1.6 to 1.0 (P<0.05-0.001) for male. Conclusion: Cephalometric norms for the modified Bjork's cephalometric analysis in southern Chinese children were es- tablished. The use of specific standards for Chinese and separate for gender, for the modified Bjork' cephalometric analy- sis seems to be justified.

Craniofacial morphology and otitis media with effusion in children

Otitis media with effusion (OME) affects 28-38% of pre-school children, and it occurs due to the dysfunction of the auditory tube. Anatomical development of the auditory tube depends on the craniofacial growth and development. Deviations of normal craniofacial morphology and growth using cephalometric studies, may predict the evolution of otitis. Our goal in this paper is to determine if there are differences in craniofacial morphology between children with adenoid enlargement, with and without otitis media with effusion. This is a prospective study in which the sample consisted of 67 children (male and female) from 5 to 10 years old. All patients presented chronic upper airway obstruction due to tonsil and adenoid enlargement (>80% degree of obstruction). Thirty-three patients presented otitis media with effusion, for more than 3 months and 34 did not. The latter composed the control group. Standardized lateral head radiographs were obtained for all subjects. Radiographs were taken with patient positioned by a cephalostat and stayed with mandibles in centric occlusion and lips at rest. Radiographs were digitalized and specific landmarks were identified using a computer program Radiocef 2003, 5th edition. Measurements, angles and lines were taken of the basicranium, maxilla and mandible according to the modified Ricketts analysis. In addition, facial height and facial axis were determined. Children with otitis media with effusion present differences in the morphology of the face, regarding these measures: N-S (anterior cranial base length), N-ANS (upper facial height), ANS-PNS (size of the hard palate), Po-Or.N-Pog (facial depth), Ba-N.Ptm-Gn (facial axis), Go-Me (mandibular length) and Vaia--Vaip (inferior pharyngeal airway).

Maxillary Protraction Appliance Effect on the Size of the Upper Airway Passage

To test the hypothesis that maxillary protraction appliances (MPA) have no effect on the size of the upper airway passage and craniofacial structures in adolescent patients. Twenty patients (5 male and 15 female; mean age 11.5 years) with skeletal Class III malocclusion were included in this study. The records of all patients who had maxillary protraction treatment and had lateral head radiographs taken before and after their protraction treatments were obtained from the files of treated cases. Treatment changes were determined by means of linear, angular, and area measurements. Data were analyzed statistically by means of paired t-test and correlation analysis. Significant increases were observed in the width and area of the pharyngeal airway. Significant increases also occurred in the sagittal growth of the maxilla, while a clockwise rotation and inhibition of sagittal growth were observed in the mandible. The hypothesis was rejected. The size of the upper airway can be increased by means of MPA application.

Heritability of facial proportions and soft-tissue profile characteristics in Turkish Anatolian siblings

The purpose of this study was to determine the possible effects of genetic factors on facial proportions and soft-tissue profile characteristics in Turkish Anatolian siblings. The material consisted of lateral and posteroanterior cephalometric head radiographs of 138 siblings (70 women, 68 men) living 15 years or more in the province of Erzurum in eastern Turkey. The subjects were required to have completed their pubertal growth spurts and to have received no previous orthodontic or prosthodontic treatment. The heritability assessments of craniofacial and soft-tissue measurements were undertaken according to narrow-sense heritability. For the calculation and evaluation of heritability estimate values, the mixed-model least-squared and maximum likelihood computer program model type II was used for statistical analysis. According to the narrow-sense heritability estimate values, the measurements of total depth index, soft-tissue chin thickness, soft-tissue facial angle, Merrifield angle, and Holdaway angle showed the highest heritability coefficients (P <.001). Total height index, anterior height index, facial width index, upper to lower facial height index, and lower lip-E line measurements demonstrated moderate heritability values (P<.01). The upper depth index had a low but statistically significant heritability value (P <.05). However, no statistically significant heritability coefficient in upper lip-E line measurement was found. Turkish Anatolian siblings have similar facial features regarding facial proportions and soft-tissue measurements.

Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Improved Maxillary and Dental Development

Maxillary growth deficiency is still a problem in children with repaired cleft lip-cleft palate, and little progress has been made on research for its prevention. An increase in the early diagnosis of maxillary growth deficiency prompted this study to obtain an early indication of the efficacy of a new protocol for better dental and maxillary development. A new method for repair of the hard palate in infants with bilateral cleft lip-cleft palate that made innovative use of mucosa of the nasal septum and involved less extensive surgery was coupled with the repair of the lip at 18 months instead of at 8 months. Twelve consecutive cases were compared with 12 cases treated by the previous method. Records of dental occlusion and lateral head radiographs at 5 years were obtained prospectively for the new treatment group and retrospectively for the previous group. In the previous group, there was a high incidence of dental crossbite. Incisor crossbite was present in 10 of the 12 (83 percent), and all 12 had one or both cuspids in crossbite. In the new treatment group, the incisor crossbite was reduced to four of 12 cases (33 percent), with cuspid crossbite at 50 percent. The new treatment group also showed greater values for cephalometric measures in maxillary length, maxillary prominence, and the ANB angle. At the age of 5 years, a definite improvement in dental and maxillary development was evident in the new treatment group.

Cephalometric norms of Nigerian children

The purpose of this study was to develop cephalometric standards for Nigerian children. The average values of 7 dentoskeletal angles were determined from standardized lateral head radiographs of 100 schoolchildren (aged 11 to 13 years; mean, 12.6 years) in Enugu, a city in southeastern Nigeria. The children, born to Nigerian parents of Igbo ancestry (Igbo is 1 of the 3 major ethnic groups in Nigeria), were selected on the basis of a well-balanced face and acceptable profile, Class I occlusion with normal overjet and overbite, minor or no crowding or spacing, and no history of orthodontic treatment. There were no statistically significant differences in cephalometric measurements between boys and girls; thus, the data were combined for analysis. The mean values and standard deviations obtained for the measured variables were: SNA, 85.5 degrees (+/- 4.3 degrees); SNB, 81.2 degrees (+/- 4.0 degrees); ANB, 4.3 degrees (+/- 2.5 degrees); UI-FP, 122.8 degrees (+/- 7.5 degrees); Ll-MP, 98.8 degrees (+/- 5.8 degrees); Ul-LI, 109.1 degrees (+/- 8.0 degrees); and FMA, 26.1 degrees (+/- 5.0 degrees). Compared with the norms for other ethnic groups, Igbo children have a prognathic relationship of the maxilla and the mandible to the anterior cranial base with a tendency toward a protrusive skeletal pattern. The children also exhibited prominent bimaxillary proclination with procumbent and protrusive maxillary and mandibular incisors and a steep Frankfort-mandibular plane angle. The findings emphasize the need for group-specific norms for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, and provide cephalometric standards for Igbo children.

Association of frontal sinus development with somatic and skeletal maturation in Aboriginal Australians: a longitudinal study

There have been very few studies of frontal sinus development and its association with other growth parameters in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of frontal sinus development with somatic and skeletal maturation in a sample of Aboriginal Australians. The sample comprised 31 individuals, of whom 17 were males and 14 females. For the selected subjects the following records were available: lateral head radiographs, hand–wrist radiographs and stature recordings, generally covering the age range from 7 to 18 years. Descriptive statistics for frontal sinus size, skeletal ossification and body height were calculated at yearly intervals and comparisons made between the sexes. Growth velocities in frontal sinus height, frontal sinus depth and stature were also calculated for both sexes. The frontal sinus was found to display a well-defined adolescent growth spurt, with its peak velocity occurring after the peak velocity in body height. Females were found to attain peak velocity in sinus height earlier, on average, than males but they attained peak velocity in sinus depth at a similar age to males. The sequence of hand–wrist ossification events followed a similar pattern in both sexes, with events in females occurring approximately one year earlier than those in males. These results indicate that an adolescent spurt is present in frontal sinus growth and that the spurt tends to occur after statural velocity has peaked. Hand–wrist ossification events also tend to have a close relationship to peak statural and frontal sinus velocity and these relationships may be useful in clinical situations for predictive purposes.

Effect of ultrasound on rabbit mandibular incisor formation and eruption after mandibular osteodistraction

Therapeutic ultrasound is known to enhance bone-fracture healing. The purpose of this article was to study the effect of therapeutic ultrasound on mandibular incisor development and eruption in 15 skeletally mature male New Zealand white rabbits undergoing mandibular osteodistraction. The surgical cuts were made anterior to the molars and consequently transected the mandibular incisors. The animals were divided into 3 groups of 5 rabbits each. Group I received ultrasound on both sides of the mandible every other day. Group II received ultrasound on the left side of the mandible every day. Group III did not receive ultrasound. Ultrasound was given for 20 minutes per application. Mandibular incisor eruption was measured directly on the rabbits and on lateral head radiographs. The animals were killed 4 weeks after surgery, and dissected mandibular specimens that contained the incisor segments were evaluated histologically. The lengths of the tooth segments increased in the ultrasound-treated animals, compared with the controls (group III). However, the rabbits in group II had greater increases in length of the mandibular incisor segments than those in group I. Histologic examination showed that the newly formed tissues at the distraction site and at the cut ends of the incisor segments consisted of osteodentin-like tissue and cementum. Thus, therapeutic ultrasound combined with distraction enhanced mandibular incisor growth and eruption.

The condylar asymmetry measurements in different skeletal patterns.

In the present study, condylar asymmetry measurements were investigated on the lateral cephalometric head radiographs and the panoramic radiographs of 72 subjects (36 males and 36 females), aged 12-16-years and having different skeletal patterns. The lateral cephalometric head radiographs were divided into three groups according to the ANB angle: ANB angles smaller than 1 degrees, between 1 degrees and 5 degrees, and larger than 5 degrees. In addition, each group was also divided into two subgroups according to sex. The effects on the ANB angle and sex on the condylar asymmetry measurement were investigated on the panoramic radiographs by means of variance analysis. It was observed that while condylar + ramus ratio measurement was affected by the change of ANB angle, the other measurements were not affected by it.

Cranial Base Growth and Morphology in Second-Trimester Normal Human Fetuses and Fetuses With Cleft Lip

Abstract Objective: The present radiographic study describes the size and shape of the cranial base from the sagittal aspect for a sample of 77 second-trimester “normal” control fetuses (n = 61) and fetuses (n = 16) exhibiting isolated, unilateral clefts of the lip (CL), ranging in fertilization age from 10 to 22 weeks. Methods: Fetuses were placed in a cephalostat, and standardized, lateral head radiographs were taken. The radiographs were traced, and 15 cephalometric landmarks were identified and digitized for analysis. Growth curves for cranial base lengths, angles, and areas were compared between control and CL groups. Also, cranial base triangles were constructed and shape comparisons were made using tensor biometric analysis. Results: No significant differences (p > .05) in regression line slopes were noted for any comparisons between the control and CL samples. Tensor biometric analysis also revealed no significant differences in the shapes of various cranial base triangles between the control and ...