A comprehensive assessment of the nasal profile among Iraqi adults with different skeletal classes: A retrospective study

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate differences in the nasal profile of Iraqi adults with different skeletal class groups. Materials and methods: Cephalometric radiographs of 90 subjects of Iraqi origin, with the age range of 18-25 years. The collected radiographs were divided into three groups (n = 30) according to the skeletal discrepancies. Different lines and angles were measured and analyzed to determine the size, shape, and position of the nose relative to other facial structures from lateral cephalometric radiograph of each subject. Results: A number of statistically significant changes were found between cephalometric measurements that reflected differences between the three skeletal class groups. Significant male-female differences were found in the measurements of nasolabial angle and the horizontal distances relating the nose to the incisal edge of the most prominent maxillary central incisor and to the chin. The angular measurements of the nasal tip projection angle, nasomental angle and nasofacial angle were also considerably varied among the three skeletal class groups alongside the vertical distances relating the nose to the upper lip, the incisal edge of the most prominent maxillary central incisor and to the chin. Conclusion: This study adds valuable information about the impact of the size, shape of nose and its relative position to other craniofacial structures on the nasal profile in patients of Iraqi origin with different skeletal classes. Therefore, the results of the present study are useful guidance for cosmetic surgeons and orthodontists during diagnosis and planning for cosmetic rhinoplasty and orthodontic treatment in Iraqi adults.

Nasal Morphology and Its Correlation to Craniofacial Morphology in Lateral Cephalometric Analysis

“…The positive correlation between NLA angle and ANB angle (although very weak) is in accordance with the study by Gulsen et al [ 4 ], but it is contrary to the results by Arshad et al [ 2 ], as well as those by Taha and Ahmed [ 20 ]. A possible reason for this discordance may be the sizes of the study groups, e.g., insufficient number of subjects to determine statistical significance of a week correlation: Arshad et al [ 2 ] (119 subjects), Taha and Ahmed [ 20 ] (90 subjects), Gulsen et al [ 4 ] (262 subjects), present study (386 subjects). No significant differences concerning NLA angle were found between patients with skeletal Class I and other skeletal patterns (Class II/1, Class II/2, Class III) [ 21 ].…”

“…Similar results were reported by Bagwan et al [ 29 ], referring to Egyptian adults. However, contrary results were found by Magnani et al [ 30 ] in young Brazilian black from 10 to 14 years, as well as by Taha and Ahmed [ 20 ] in Iraqi adults. Moreover, statistically significant sexual dimorphism of NMA angle is contrary to the studies by Taha and Ahmed [ 20 ], Hwang et al [ 28 ], as well as by Lopatiene et al [ 31 ], Aljabaa [ 32 ], and Kumar et al [ 27 ].…”

“…Gulsen et al [ 4 ] have found a significant correlation between the NMA angle and mandibular and maxillary position. In the study by Taha and Ahmed [ 20 ], the NMA angle was significantly higher in skeletal Class III compared to Class I and II.…”

“…The different findings may result from various sizes and age ranges of the groups analyzed. Taha and Ahmed [ 20 ] reported on 45 men and 45 women (age range: 18–25 years), Hwang et al [ 28 ] reported on 15 men and 27 women (age range: 18–34 years), whereas Lopatiene et al [ 31 ]—on 114 patients (age range: 14–16 years), Aljabaa [ 32 ]—on 32 females and 30 males (age range: 20–24 years), Kumar et al [ 27 ] reported on 80 females and 80 males (age range: 8–16 years), while the present study reports on 229 females and 157 males (age range: 9–25 years).…”

“…The present study is contrary to this by Kumar et al [ 27 ], who did not find significant differences in nose depth. Taha and Ahmed [ 20 ] observed no significant differences concerning nasal length and nose depth between the sexes. The significant difference for SFC angle between the sexes in the present study confirms the results by Gulsen et al [ 4 ], however, is contrary to the study by Arshad et al [ 2 ].…”