Evaluation of Glenoid Fossa Morphology in Different Facial Growth Patterns: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of current study was to assess the glenoid fossa morphology among different vertical skeletal patterns using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: The CBCT images of 63 patients with Class I sagittal skeletal pattern were classified into three groups based on posterior facial height (PFH)/ Anterior facial height (AFH) ratio. Each group divided in to normal, horizontal and vertical growth pattern groups. Depth, width and inclination of glenoid fossa were measured and assessed on CBCT images. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc test were used to compare mean values of measured variables among the groups. Results: The width (28.76±0.79) and depth (14.61±0.514) of glenoid fossa were lower in horizontal in comparison to vertical and normal growth patterns (p-value<0.05). Although steepness of glenoid fossa was higher in normal growth pattern (123.8±16.68), no statistically significant differences were seen (p-value: 0.819). Conclusion: The width and depth of glenoid fossa were significantly lower in horizontal growth pattern.

Keywords

• glenoid fossa
• growth pattern
• cbct
• tmj