A classification and prototyping of skeletal class iii on etio-pathogenic basis

Hong, Soon Xae; Yi, Choong Kook

Abstract

Skeletal class III had been classified by the position of the maxilla, the mandible, the maxillary alveolus, the mandibular alveolus and vertical development. This morphologic approach is simple and useful for clinical use, but it is insufficient to permit understanding of the pathophysiology of dysmorphoses. The author hypothesizes that there are different patterns of mutual relation of the skeletal components which have contributed pathologic equilibrium of skeletal class III. The purpose of this study are threefold: 1) to classify skeletal class III in subgroups, which can show the architectural characteristics of the deformity, 2) to analyse the craniofacial architecture of each subgroup on etio-pathogenic basis, and 3) to characterize and visualize the pattern as a prototype. Materials used in this study were lateral cephalograms of 106 skeletal class III adults, which were analysed with modified Delaire's architectural and structural analysis. Linear and angular measurements of the individual subject were obtained and cluster analysis was used for the subgrouping. Data were evaluated for verification of the statistical significances. The following results were obtained. 1. By the modified Delaire's architectural and structural analysis and cluster analysis, skeletal class III adults were classified into 7 clusters and presented as prototypes, which could show the pathophysiology of the skeletal architecture. 2. There was significant relationship in measurement variables of each cluster, which could reflect characteristics of the skeletal pattern of growth. 3. The flexure of cranial base had a close relationship to the anterior rotational growth of the maxilla and contributes to understand the etio-pathology of skeletal class III. 4. The proportion of craniospinal area in cranial depth, craniocervical angle and vertical position of point Om had a close relationship to rotational growth of the mandible and direction of condylar growth. They contribute to understand the etio-pathology of skeletal class III. In summary, the cranium and the craniocervical area must be considered in diagnosis and treatment planning of dentofacial deformity. And the occlusal plane can be considered as a representative which shows the mutual relationships of the skeletal components.