A comparative cephalometric study to assess the reliability of various vertical cephalometric parameters for assessment of growth pattern

Introduction: Determination of growth pattern in a vertical dimension is of utmost importance to orthodontist. Various analyses and parameters are present but they do pose shortcomings of variability even in same individual. Hence this study was aimed at determining reliability of various parameters and find which of the parameters can be used singly and which can be used in combination to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning. Materials and methods: Cephalometric radiographs of 90 individuals were examined and comparative analysis using all ten parameters was done. Statistical analysis including mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variance were used to describe the distribution of all these parameters in the entire sample. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to find correlation between various variables. Results: Ramus/FHP angle showed the most homogenous distribution while as Steiner’s mandibular plane angle showed most variable distribution in the entire sample. Among the linear parameters total anterior facial height showed most homogenous distribution. Also strong correlations were found between Ramus/FHP angle and basal plane angle, basal plane angle and articulare angle, basal plane angle and saddle angle. Conclusion: Among angular variables Ramus/FHP and among linear variables total anterior facial height could be used reliably to assess the growth pattern.