Cranial base flexion in young adults belonging to the South Indian population: cross sectional study

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the cranial base flexion in the South Indian population. The objective was to establish norm values of the various cranial base angles namely N-S-Ba angle, NS- Ar and PCF/PM angle and to determine if there was any difference in these measurements between male and female subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the orthodontic department of Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
The sample consisted of 38 subjects of both sexes in the age group of 17-28 years with normal occlusion and a balanced facial profile belonging to Chennai, South India. Extraoral and intraoral photographs of all the subjects were taken to confirm the clinical findings of the subjects. They were evaluated by two faculty members to confirm features of acceptable pleasing profile, facial harmony and normal occlusion. Lateral cephalogram were taken with adherence to protocol, checked for magnification and traced manually. The following cranial base angles namely N-S-Ba angle, NS- Ar angle, and PCF/PM angle were measured. One sample “t” test was done and mean and standard deviation was established for the different measurements. Independent “t” test was done to find out if there
was a statistically significant difference in measurements of cranial base angle between males and females.

RESULTS: N-S-Ba angle, N-S-Ar and PCF/ PM angle were found to be 131.05°±4.74°, 124.34°±4.93° and 38.71°±3.96°, respectively. The N-S-Ba angle was greater or equal, N- S- Ar was almost the same and PCF/PM angle was less compared to other populations. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female subjects. N-S-Ba angle in males in the current study was 132.44°±3.94° and in females was 130.62°±4.93°. The N-S-Ar angle was 123.78°±5.82° and 124.52°±4.72° in males and females respectively. The PCF/PM angle was 36.89°±2.80° and 39.28°±4.13° in males and females in the present study.

CONCLUSIONS: The norm values of N-S-Ba angle, N-S-Ar and PCF/PM angle among the sub-ethnic Indian population were found to be 131.05°±4.74°, 124.34°±4.93° and 38.71°± 3.96° respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female subjects in the present study.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Any deviation in these angles may influence the spatial position of the nasomaxillary complex resulting in dentofacial deformities manifested as a skeletal Class II or Class III malocclusion.

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