Abstract:
Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the possible correlation between maxillary and mandibular positioning via
cephalometric analysis with pterygomaxillary fissure (PMF) morphology using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Methods In this study, CBCT images from 825 individuals (448 female, 377 male; age range was 18-91 years with
this cohort) were analyzed; PMF length and width were measured. Three-dimensional cephalometric analysis was also
performed using cephalometric analysis software. The landmarks and measurements in relation to maxillary and mandibular
positions were identified and performed for the cephalometric analysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for
comparison of the parameters, while the Bonferroni test was used for multiple comparisons. Pearson’s test was also used
to assess the correlations between the parameters.
Results The results showed that males had significantly larger PMF length (p< 0.001) and width (p< 0.001) compared to
females. The mean PMF length was 17.7mm (standard deviation [SD] 3.2mm) for right and 17.7mm (SD 3.3mm) for left
but were not significantly different (p> 0.05). In terms of the cephalometric measurements, a significant correlation was
found between upper central incisor (U1toAperp2D) and posterior facial height (PostFaceHtSGo2D) and PMF length, while
correlations were found between PMF width and several cephalometric parameters such as lower lip (LwLiptoEPln2D and
LwLiptoHLine2D) and occlusal plane (OPtoFHAng2D) (p< 0.05).
Conclusion A significant relationship was observed between PMF morphology and the position of the maxilla or mandible.
PMF lengths and widths were larger in males than females. Posteroanterior maxillary and mandibular lengths and posterior
facial height are associated with PMF length and width.
