A Cephalometric Comparison of Horizontal and Vertical Skeletal Parameters in North and South Indian Population Groups

A cephalometric study was carried out to compare skeletal parameters between North Indian (Group A) and South Indian (Group B) population. Sixty subjects in the age group of 16-21 years with acceptable profile, class I molar and canine relationship were selected. Cephalometric records were obtained for both the groups (A&B) and digitized. SNA, SNB, Wits appraisal (AO-BO), Mandibular Base (Go-Pog), Maxillary Base (PNS-Point A), Effective Mandibular Length (Co-Gn) and Mid-Facial Length (Co-Point A) readings were assessed to determine any difference in horizontal parameters. Similarly, Y-axis, Mandibular Plane Angle (MPA), Mandible to Cranial Base (FMA), Gonial Angle (GA), Upper and Lower Gonial Angle of Jarabak (UGA & LGA), Total Facial Height (TFH), Upper anterior Facial height (UAFH), lower anterior facial height (LAFH), Posterior Height/Total Anterior Height Ratio (PH/TAH) were digitized to find any difference in vertical parameters. Statistical analysis using paired t-test was done with level of significance less than 5%. Results showed that, South Indian girls had more MPA and FMA compared to the North Indians suggesting a tendency towards vertical growth pattern. This cephalometric appraisal study shall enable an orthodontist in formulating an optimal treatment plan for the two population groups.