Korean J Orthod.  2024 Sep;54(5):274-283. 10.4041/kjod23.206.

Upper airway dimensions and craniofacial morphology: A correlation study using cone beam computed tomography

• Carvalho ARdRMd
• Pollmann MCF
• Martins EJP

• KMID: 2559817
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4041/kjod23.206

Abstract

Objective
To determine the correlation between dentoskeletal parameters related to craniofacial morphology and the upper airway (UA) volume.
Methods
Cone-beam computed tomography images of 106 randomly selected orthodontic patients were analyzed using NemoFab Ortho software. The dentoskeletal variables assessed were anterior facial height (AFH), posterior facial height (PFH), PFH/AFH ratio, hyoid position, maxillary width (MW), and palatal depth. The UA volume (evaluation in anatomical regions and as a whole) was also assessed using the same software. We also evaluated potential differences in UA variables between age and sex groups. The correlation between the dentoskeletal parameters and UA volume was calculated using the Pearson correlation coefficient (R). Analysis of variance and Student’s t test were performed to assess differences between age and sex for UA variables. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 26 for Windows).
Results
This study found that PFH, AFH, and MW were the dentoskeletal parameters most strongly correlated with UA volume. However, the ANB angle did not show any significant correlation with UA volume. Additionally, differences in UA volumes were observed between age groups. Sex differences were found in both the “8–12” and “≥ 16” age groups for oropharyngeal and pharyngeal volumes.
Conclusions
In conclusion, our findings indicate a significant correlation between UA volume and dentoskeletal parameters, particularly those related to facial height and MW.

Keyword

Airway; Three-dimensional cephalometrics; Growth and development; Three-dimensional diagnosis and treatment planning

Figure

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  Figure 1 Volume orientation in A, axial; B, coronal; and C, sagittal planes.

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  Figure 2 Cephalometric analysis of dentoskeletal variables. A, Anterior and posterior facial height; B, hyoid position; C, palatal depth; and D, maxillary width. See Table 1 for definitions of each landmark or measurement.

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  Figure 3 Upper airway segmentation: A, nasal cavity; B, nasopharynx; C, oropharynx; and D, laryngopharynx.

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