Assessment of Anterior Cranial Base Length in Two Different Age Groups of Central Indian Population

Abstract

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the anterior cranial base (S-N) length in Class I and Class II division 1 individuals of Central India in two different age groups. Materials and Methods: Sample size comprised 120 individuals belonged to Central India. Individuals were divided into two groups: Group I comprised 60 young children (30 males and 30 females) in the age group of 10-14 years (n = 30 Class I and n = 30 Class II division 1) and Group II comprised 60 young adults (30 males and 30 females) in the age group of 18-22 years (n = 30 Class I and n = 30 Class II division 1). S-N length was measured from the traced sheets of lateral cephalograph of the study participants. The gender difference and differences in the group were calculated using the paired t-test. Results: No significant difference was found for S-N length in Class I and Class II division 1 individuals. S-N length was longer in young adults compared to young children in both Class I and Class II division 1 individuals. S-N length was found to be more in males compared to females in both Class I individuals and Class II division 1 individuals. S-N length was significantly shorter in the Central Indian population (65.25 mm) compared to Caucasian population (71 mm). Conclusion: The present study showed that S-N length is not a stable parameter and growth of skull occurs even after 10 years of age. S-N length was more in young adults than in young children and lesser in females compared to males. S-N length was found to be shorter in the Central Indian population compared to Caucasian population, so S-N length should be considered as population specific and not the same for all population.