A cephalometric comparison of horizontal and vertical skeletal parameters in North and South Indian population groups

A cephalometric study was carried out to compare skeletal parameters between North Indian (Group A) and South Indian (Group B) population. Sixty subjects in the age group of 16–21 years with acceptable profile, class I molar and canine relationship were selected. Cephalometric records were obtained for both the groups (A&B) and digitized. SNA, SNB, Wits appraisal (AO-BO), Mandibular Base (Go-Pog), Maxillary Base (PNS-Point A), Effective Mandibular Length (Co-Gn) and Mid-Facial Length (Co-Point A) readings were assessed to determine any difference in horizontal parameters. Similarly, Y-axis, Mandibular Plane Angle (MPA), Mandible to Cranial Base (FMA), Gonial Angle (GA), Upper and Lower Gonial Angle of Jarabak (UGA & LGA), Total Facial Height (TFH), Upper anterior Facial height (UAFH), lower anterior facial height (LAFH), Posterior Height/Total Anterior Height Ratio (PH/TAH) were digitized to find any difference in vertical parameters. Statistical analysis using paired t-test was done with level of significance less than 5%. Results showed that, South Indian girls had more MPA and FMA compared to the North Indians suggesting a tendency towards vertical growth pattern. This cephalometric appraisal study shall enable an orthodontist in formulating an optimal treatment plan for the two population groups.