Relationship between cranial base and maxillofacial morphology

Abstract

The aims of this study were to investigate the relationships between the cranial base and maxillofacial morphology in Japanese crania, and to examine the differences between Class I and Class II samples. Data were obtained from 46 male Japanese crania from the collection of the Jikei University School of Medicine (Tokyo). The sample represents populations which would have lived during the last 100 years. A principal component analysis of linear and angular measurements showed that the anterior and posterior cranial base, and the cranial base angle were associated in different ways with different aspects of maxillofacial morphology. Variation in the anterior cranial base was associated with differences in facial height, lower facial height, bicondylar breadth, ramal height, and ramal width, while posterior cranial base length was correlated with bizygomatic breadth. The cranial base angle was negatively correlated with SNA (r = -0.46) and SNB (r = -0.59), and positively correlated with the palatal and occlusal plane angles. There were significant differences between Class I and Class II specimens in palatal width, SNA, ANB, and the palatal plane angle, but no significant difference in cranial base length or angle. The evidence suggested that cranial base shape and size was related to facial length, inclination of the maxilla, and both maxillary and mandibular prognathism.

Comparative analysis of the anterior and posterior length and deflection angle of the cranial base, in individuals with facial Pattern I, II and III

“…But these results do not confirm what part of the literature describes about the subject. 1,4,8,9,12,15 This study investigated the differences in the deflection angle of the cranial base, as well as in the length of its anterior (S-N) and posterior (S-Ba) portions in different facial patterns (Pattern I, II and III). However, it is important to keep in mind that the morphogenetic facial pattern is formed by a series of specific characteristics of each face type.…”

“…For this reason, any changes that occur between the anterior and posterior cranial base (e.g., changes in the length and angle between them) may generate significant results in the relationships of the facial parts. 15 Ricketts 23 stated that the cranial base has an important influence over the total facial prognathism and the establishment of the jaws anteroposterior relationship. Moyers 21 reported that the growth of the cranial base has a direct effect on the positioning of the mandible and the middle region of the face, and as this base is the most stable of all parts of the craniofacial skeleton, it is less affected by external influences (orthodontic treatment, for example).…”

Relationship between maxillofacial morphology and morphological characteristics of vertical sections of the mandible obtained by CT scanning.

“…The maxillofacial morphology of the specimens was assessed by measurements recorded directly from the skulls and indirectly from standardized radiographs. The radiographic reference points and methods followed closely those defined by Kasai et al [10]. The reference points and variables are defined in Figs.…”

The use of geometric morphometry to study facial asymmetries: relationship between basicranial shape and maxillofacial and occlusal pathologies

“…The role of the base of the cranium in the genesis of maxillofacial dysplasias is the subject of an on-going debate [1][2][3][4][5]7,17,[20][21][22][23]29 ; some authors suspect that the base of the cranium is responsible for the development of the anteroposterior dysplasias, because of the much-discussed angle of the base of the cranium as well as for the genesis of the asymmetries being linked to a primary asymmetry of the base of the brain.…”

“…Certain authors find a relationship linking the shape of the base of the cranium with primarily anteroposterior maxillofacial dysplasia [1][2][3][4][5]7,22,23,29 or asymmetries [14][15][16]19,25,30 .…”