Comparison of gonial angle determination from cephalograms and orthopantomogram

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Radiology

Background:

• The gonial angle is a crucial craniofacial parameter for assessing facial skeleton verticality and symmetry.
• Both orthopantomograms (OPG) and lateral cephalograms are used for gonial angle measurement.
• Lateral cephalograms present challenges in reliable gonial angle measurement due to image superimposition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability and application of orthopantomography (OPG) for gonial angle determination.
• To compare gonial angle measurements obtained from OPGs versus lateral cephalograms.
• To ascertain if significant differences exist between gonial angle measurements from OPG and cephalograms.

Main Methods:

• Gonial angle measurements were performed on lateral cephalograms and OPGs from 98 patients (44 males, 54 females).
• Statistical analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.
• Comparison of gonial angle values between the two radiographic techniques was performed.

Main Results:

• One-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences in gonial angle values between lateral cephalograms and panoramic radiography.
• Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a high correlation between cephalometric and OPG gonial angle measurements.
• The results indicate consistent gonial angle determination across both imaging modalities.

Conclusions:

• Panoramic radiography provides accurate gonial angle determination, comparable to lateral cephalograms.
• OPGs may be preferable to lateral cephalograms for gonial angle measurement due to the absence of superimposed anatomical structures.
• This study supports the enhanced clinical utility of panoramic radiography in dental diagnostics.