A comparison of cephalometric analyses for assessing sagittal jaw relationship.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the seven methods of cephalometric analysis for assessing sagittal jaw relationship and to determine the level of agreement between them.


METHODS
Cross-sectional, analytical study.


METHODS
Dental Section, the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January to December 2004.


METHODS
Seven methods, describing anteroposterior jaw relationships (A-B plane, ANB, Wits, AXB, AF-BF, FABA and Beta angle) were measured on the lateral cephalographs of 85 patients. Correlation analysis, using Cramer's V-test, was performed to determine the possible agreement between the pair of analyses.


RESULTS
The mean age of the sample, comprising 35 males and 50 females was 15 years and 3 months. Statistically significant relationships were found among seven sagittal parameters with p-value < 0.001. Very strong correlation was found between AXB and AF-BF distance (r=0.924); and weak correlation between ANB and Beta angle (r=0.377). Wits appraisal showed the greatest coefficient of variability.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite varying strengths of association, statistically significant correlations were found among seven methods for assessing sagittal jaw relationship. FABA and A-B plane may be used to predict the skeletal class in addition to the established ANB angle.
Gul-e-Erum
Department of Orthodontics, Section of Dentistry, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. gul.erum@aku.edu
Fida
Mubassar
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007568:Jaw / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000473:pathology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D055815:Young Adult