A comparison of cephalometric analyses for assessing sagittal jaw relationship.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the seven methods of cephalometric analysis for assessing sagittal jaw relationship and to determine the level of agreement between them. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Dental Section, the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January to December 2004. METHODOLOGY: Seven methods, describing anteroposterior jaw relationships (A-B plane, ANB, Wits, AXB, AF-BF, FABA and Beta angle) were measured on the lateral cephalographs of 85 patients. Correlation analysis, using Cramer's V-test, was performed to determine the possible agreement between the pair of analyses. RESULTS: The mean age of the sample, comprising 35 males and 50 females was 15 years and 3 months. Statistically significant relationships were found among seven sagittal parameters with p-value < 0.001. Very strong correlation was found between AXB and AF-BF distance (r=0.924); and weak correlation between ANB and Beta angle (r=0.377). Wits appraisal showed the greatest coefficient of variability. CONCLUSION: Despite varying strengths of association, statistically significant correlations were found among seven methods for assessing sagittal jaw relationship. FABA and A-B plane may be used to predict the skeletal class in addition to the established ANB angle.