3D Computerised Analysis of Airway Morphology in Subjects From Tamil Nadu: A Pilot Study

This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to describe and compare age-related variations in airway volume, airway length, smallest airway cross-sectional area, and airway index using a computerised 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based assessment in subjects from the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Age-based comparisons across 11 independent groups were performed to provide descriptive information that may assist in contextualising airway measurements in orthodontic and airway assessment, without implying diagnostic accuracy or causal inference.

A total of 110 healthy participants aged between six and 60 years were distributed equally across 11 age groups. Cone-beam CT scans were obtained under standard best-practice acquisition protocols. Intergroup comparisons were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and associations between age and airway parameters were evaluated using bivariate regression analysis, based on a statistical significance threshold of p < 0.05. The four dependent variables analysed were airway volume, airway length, smallest airway cross-sectional area, and airway index.

Significant age-group differences were observed for airway volume, smallest airway area, and airway index (p < 0.001). Higher values for these parameters were observed in the 21- to 35-year age group, followed by lower values in older age groups. Airway length demonstrated minimal variation across age groups and did not show statistically significant differences (p = 0.058).

The findings of this cross-sectional pilot study describe age-associated variations in CBCT-derived airway volume, airway length, smallest airway cross-sectional area, and airway index among participants from Tamil Nadu and highlight potential clinical relevance for orthodontic diagnosis and airway assessment, while acknowledging that causal inferences and definitive normative standards cannot be established.