Comprehensive three-dimensional assessment of condylar position in skeletal class I and class II patients within different vertical skeletal patterns, using cone beam computed tomography and it involves assessment, in three dimensions, the condylar position in patients with specific skeletal anteroposterior relationships within different vertical patterns

Description :

This is a cross-sectional study of clinically justified, previously taken CBCT images of patients that visited the Saint Joseph University of Beirut in Lebanon. The CBCT images were obtained with the patients in maximum dental intercuspation and in natural head position (midsagittal plane perpendicular to the floor). These CBCT images were not specifically taken for this study but were already taken at the request of the treating professional. The study will be conducted at the division of craniofacial imaging. The parameters are: -Skeletal anteroposterior relationship based on ANB angle: Class I (ANB 1 to 4°), Class II (ANB > 4°) (Fig.1): The sample will be divided into groups relative to skeletal anteroposterior relationship based on ANB angle (class I, class II) and facial height ratio ((hyperdivergent, normodivergent, and hypodivergent) and then the 3D assessment of the condylar position obtained on CBCT will be done. 3D analysis: The image analysis involves the processes of segmenting, reconstructing, and measuring images in three dimensions using two software tools, namely Blue Sky Plan and Autodesk Meshmixer. CBCT images saved in DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) format represent a medical image format suitable for effective data exchange, meeting clinical quality standards. These images are then imported into the Blue Sky Plan. Subsequently, the mandibular condyle and the temporal bone are segmented from the surrounding structures. A separate model for condyle and temporal bone is obtained and Data is exported from Blue Sky Plan (Fig.3) and imported as STL to Autodesk Meshmixer.