An Update on Cephalometrics among Nigerians: Ascertaining Prevalent Jaw Patterns.

Aims: Cephalometric norms vary between populations as well as among ethnicities within a known population. This study presents an update on cephalometric findings among Nigerians as well as the prevalent jaw patterns among subjects with malocclusion. Study Design: A cross sectional study design was employed. Place and Duration of Study: Orthodontic unit, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between April 2008 and September 2011. Methodology: One hundred and seven subjects were recruited (43 males, 64 females; overall mean age was 20.74±5.78 years). Thirty-six subjects had normal occlusion, 35 had skeletal pattern II and 36 had skeletal pattern III. Socio-demographic data, dental, occlusal and other orthodontic features were recorded on a data extraction form. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken for soft and hard tissue tracings. The ANB angle and Wits appraisal were used to assess skeletal pattern. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19. Frequency tables and measures of central tendency were generated. Variations in angular and linear variables were assessed using ANOVA and LSD post-hoc test. Significance was set at P<.05. Results: A hundred and seven subjects were assessed. Mean age was 20.74±5.78 years. There was significant difference in mean values for SNB, ANB, SNMP, PP-MP, FMA, LI-MP and UI-LI angles between the three groups (P<.05). LSD post-hoc test showed significant reduction in SNB for class II (P <.05) but increase in SNB for class III subjects relative to the standards was not statistically significant (P >.05). Conclusions: Mandibular deficiency appears to be the primary defect in class II malocclusion in this environment. On the other hand many factors are accountable for class III malocclusion.