Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2025
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Cephalometrics of Libyan adults
Abed Elkaseh1, Maher Al Shayeb2, Syed Kuduruthullah3
1Surgical Science Department, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Background:
Cephalometric radiography enables a physician to identify specific areas of craniofacial disproportionality and decide on a treatment plan. Cephalometric analysis is a method for localizeing malocclusion with the facial skeleton and soft tissue structures. This study reports the results from the cephalometric analysis of Libyan adults, as a surrogate for the population of North Africa.
Methods:
Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken of 100 non-growing Libyan adults: 74 males and 26 females, aged 17-45 years. All subjects had no previous orthodontic treatment. The mean values and standard deviations of 92 parameters were determined.
Results:
The hard tissue cephalometric analysis revealed lower variability in the length of vertical distances compared to those extending more horizontally. In adult Libyans, linear and angular midface measurements (hard tissue and soft tissue) exhibit less variability compared to other measurements taken. Libyans exhibit some of the structural deviations from Bolton's means that were previously found in Americans of African descent. Namely, they are characterized by the greater development of the maxillomandibular complex and by the presence of dentoalveolar protrusion, which must be taken into account when treating patients of this ethnic group.
Conclusion:
The current study once again confirmed the need to develop cephalometric norms for different ethnic groups, the Arab population in North Africa in particular.
Related Concept Videos
01:08Overview of the Skull
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
01:14Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...