An Evaluation of the Ramus Mandibular Asymmetry on the Panoramic Radiography

This study is intended to focus on the evaluation of posterior vertical mandibular asymmetry by calculating the mandibular asymmetry index on the panoramic radiography in different types of malocclusions, considering the sexual dimorphism in children and adolescent patients and performing a comparative analysis between these groups. In this context, a cross-sectional study was conducted for a group of 214 patients (134 females and 80 males with a mean age of 9.5 & PLUSMN; 2 years). The asymmetry index was calculated for each patient according to the Habets method. The results were analyzed by using the independent Student t-test, ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U-test at the 95% confidence level (p < 0.05). The results of the analyses showed a statistically significant difference between males and females at the level of the condylar index (p = 0.023) and a significant difference in the unilateral posterior crossbite in the Mann-Whitney U test (p = 0.01). No statistically significant differences were found between males and females in the index of the mandibular ramus and condyle-plus-ramus. The highest value of the asymmetry index was recorded at the level of the condyle. We found higher values of asymmetry in Angle Class I malocclusions in all groups and in Class II/1 in the group of females.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate posterior vertical mandibular asymmetry in different types of malocclusions by calculating the mandibular asymmetry index on panoramic radiography. It also considered sexual dimorphism in children and adolescent patients and compared the results between different groups. A total of 214 patients (134 females and 80 males, mean age of 9.5 ± 2 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. The results showed significant differences between males and females in the condylar index and significant differences in unilateral posterior crossbite. No significant differences were found in the mandibular ramus and condyle-plus-ramus index between males and females. The highest asymmetry index was observed at the level of the condyle, and higher values of asymmetry were found in Angle Class I malocclusions in all groups and Class II/1 malocclusions in females.