Chronologic Change of Korean Cephalic Index (0 to 20 years) Obtained from a Cephalograph

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The cephalic index (CI) is used to classify the head and every race has its unique characteristics. Previous studies published in Korea were limited to demonstrating the periodical change of the CI. This study was done to determine the CI change in 0 to 20 year-old Koreans by sex and age. METHODS: The measurement was done on 1,222 Koreans ranging from 0 to 20 years of age, randomly selected from 2,156 who were diagnosed with simple concussion, had no other diseases or anomalies, and took cephalographs from January, 2000 to July, 2008. The files were obtained from Marosis(R) and then photogrammetry was done by Photoshop(R). To standardize the cephalograph, the Frankfort horizontal line was selected as the reference line on lateral view and the line connecting both lateral-orbitales on AP view. The maximal length was obtained from the lateral cephalograph and the maximal breadth from the AP cephalograph. RESULTS: The CI showed no difference by sex (p=0.4848). The CI and age showed negative correlation (p<0.0001). Analyzed separately by the male and the female, the CI showed statistical significance in the male (p<0.0001), but not in the female (p=0.4741) group. Comparing the CI above the age of 11, the CI of the female became greater than that of the male. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the standardization of CI measurement and the authors were able to obtain the average CI by age. We concluded that the CI decreased according to age and most Koreans belonged to barchycephalic or hyperbrachycephalic.