Evaluating condylar position in different skeletal malocclusion patterns: A cephalometric study

Abstract

Context: The cranial base and variations in its morphology affect the anterior-posterior positioning of jaws causing changes in the glenoid fossa and condylar position. Aims: To evaluate the condylar position in patients with different skeletal sagittal malocclusion patterns. Materials and Methods: Pretreatment lateral cephalometric radiographs of 112 subjects (both males and females) were categorized into three classes (Class I, Class II, Class III) based on their ANB angulation and studied for N-S-Ar (saddle angle), S-Ar-Go (articular angle), S-Ar (posterior cranial base length). Statistical Analysis: Shapiro-Wilk test was done to check for normality of the distribution of values. Groups were evaluated using parametric tests (one-way ANOVA). Significance for all tests was predetermined as P < 0.05. Results: N-S-Ar and S-Ar-Go and also S-Ar did not vary significantly in all the three classes. N-S-Ar and S-Ar-Go angles have shown a significant negative correlation in all the three classes. Conclusions: There is no significant difference in condylar position in different skeletal malocclusion patterns. N-S-Ar and S-Ar-Go angles show a negative correlation in any skeletal malocclusion pattern.