3-D CT Image Study of Effect of Glenoid Fossa on Menton Deviation

Cho, Jin Hyoung; Lee, Kyung Min; Park, Hong Ju; Hwang, Hyeon Shik

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to define the relation of the degree of menton deviation and 3-D CT (computerized tomography) measurements of the glenoid fossa and the mandible, which are considered to have an influence on menton deviation.
METHODS
The CT images were obtained in 60 adults and these were transmitted to a computer and reconstructed using computer software. According to the degree of the menton deviation, which was measured on the posteroanterior cephalogram, the subjects were divided into the menton deviated group (30 adults) and the symmetry group (30 adults). A total of 11 measurements that might have an effect on menton deviation were determined and these were measured in the right and left sides using the function of 3-D measurement in the computer program. The 11 measurements consist of 6 measurements in the glenoid fossa (vertical position of the glenoid fossa and articular eminence, the sagittal position of the glenoid fossa and articular eminence, the depth of the glenoid fossa, and the anterior angle of the glenoid fossa), and 5 measurements in the mandible (ramus length, frontal ramal inclination, lateral ramal inclination, body length, body height).
RESULTS
The comparison of the differences between the menton deviated and symmetry groups and correlation analysis on the degree of menton deviation were carried out. The results of comparison of the right and the left difference between the menton deviated and symmetry groups showed that the vertical position and depth of the glenoid fossa were significantly increased in the menton deviated group.
CONCLUSION
The results of the present study show that consideration of the shape and position of the glenoid fossa is necessary for making the diagnosis and administering proper treatment in facial asymmetry patients and especially growing patients.