A posteroanterior roentgenocephalometric study of skeletal craniofacial asymmetric patients

Cheon, Ok Jin; Suhr, Cheong Hoon

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the degree of asymmetry in each part of the head in skeletal craniofacial asymmetric patients, and secondarily to determine the nature of difference existed between asymmetric patients and normal persons. The subjects consisted of 49 asymmetric adult patients and 52 normal adults, and the average ages were 21 years 5 months and 23 years 5 months, respectively. The computerized analyses of 33 linear measurements, 12 angular. measurements, and 8 surface areas from posteroanterior cephalometric radiograph were carried out. The conclusions were as follows; 1. Asymmetry was a common finding in both normal and asymmetric group. 2. When the analyses were undertaken after the head was divided into 3 parts anteroposteriorly and superoinferiorly in the asymmetric patients, there were significant asymmetries in all parts excepts in the cranial base region. 3. When the analyses were undertaken after the head was divided into respective 3 parts anteroposteriorly in the asymmetric patients, the more posterior part showed relative stability than the more anterior part. 4. When the analyses were undertaken after the head was divided into 3 parts superoinferiorly in the asymmetric patients, the more superior part showed relative stability than the more inferior part. 5. Twelve variables indicating asymmetry were selected and the highest ranked variable was Me-Mid-sagittal reference line.