title: Three-dimensional computed tomographic assessment of mandibular muscles in growing subjects with different vertical facial patterns.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study was undertaken to assess the relationship between the mandibular muscles and dentofacial skeletal morphology in children with different underlying vertical facial patterns, using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT).
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty children (mean age 12.24 ± 1.57 years) underwent cranial CT examination for diagnostic purposes. 3D-CT images were reconstructed for the evaluation of the cross-sectional size, volume, and spatial orientation of the masseter and medial pterygoid muscles. These muscle parameters were also assessed in relation to the vertical facial pattern, gender and skeleto-dental form.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences were found in muscular angulation for subjects with different underlying patterns. Greater masseter volumes were associated with increased facial width. Greater intermolar widths were found in brachyfacial subjects, with less acute muscular angulations in relation to horizontal reference lines, compared with dolichofacial subjects. This was also more obvious in the maxillary arch.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinicians should note the likely differences in masseter and medial pterygoid orientation and volume in subjects with different underlying vertical facial patterns and that these differences may, in turn, be related to both facial skeletal width and naturally-occurring transverse dental arch dimensions.
authors.forename: Alwyn
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Woods
authors.forename: Damien
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stella
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D003724:Dental Arch / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008445:Maxillofacial Development / Q000502:physiology*; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods; D009929:Organ Size; D011626:Pterygoid Muscles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012737:Sex Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014716:Vertical Dimension