2016-02-22

Objectives 1) To determine the accuracy and reliability of an automated anthropometric measurement software for the oropharyngeal airway and 2) To compare the anthropometric dimensions of the oropharyngeal airway in skeletal class II and III deformity patients. Methods Cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans of 62 patients with skeletal class II or III deformities were used for this study. Volumetric, linear and surface area measurements retroglossal (RG) and retropalatal (RP) compartments of the oropharyngeal airway was measured with the 3dMDVultus software. Accuracy of automated anthropometric pharyngeal airway measurements was assessed using an airway phantom. Results The software was found to be reasonably accurate for measuring dimensions of air passages. The total oropharyngeal volume was significantly greater in the skeletal class III deformity group (16.7 ± 9.04 mm3) compared with class II subjects (11.87 ± 4.01 mm3). The average surface area of both the RG and RP compartments were significantly larger in the class III deformity group. The most constricted area in the RG and RP airway was significantly larger in individuals with skeletal class III deformity. The anterior-posterior (AP) length of this constriction was significantly greater in skeletal class III individuals in both compartments, whereas the width of the constriction was not significantly different between the two groups in both compartments. The RP compartment was larger but less uniform than the RG compartment in both skeletal deformities. Conclusion Significant differences were observed in morphological characteristics of the oropharyngeal airway in individuals with skeletal class II and III deformities. This information may be valuable for surgeons in orthognathic treatment planning, especially for mandibular setback surgery that might compromise the oropharyngeal patency.

Jayaratne, YSN, Zwahlen, RA. (2016). Data from: The Oropharyngeal Airway in Young Adults with Skeletal Class II and Class III Deformities: A 3-D Morphometric Analysis. [Data File]. All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files. Click on “Linked Publications” to access the publication and access supporting information on figshare at https://figshare.com/articles/The_Oropharyngeal_Airway_in_Young_Adults_with_Skeletal_Class_II_and_Class_III_Deformities_A_3_D_Morphometric_Analysis/2735722

Skeletal Class II

class II

RP

RG

Class III Deformities

mandibular setback surgery

class III deformity group

class III individuals

III deformities

anthropometric pharyngeal airway measurements

compartment

CT

airway phantom.ResultsThe software

class III deformity

CBCT

orthognathic treatment planning

oropharyngeal airway

3 dMDVultus software

anthropometric measurement software

AP

surface area measurements retroglossal