YEN-Linear: A sagittal cephalometric parameter

BackgroundThis research was designed to classify sagittal relationship by establishing a new cephalometric linear measurement, the YEN-Linear value.MethodsA total of 120 pretreatment lateral cephalograms were classified, based on Beta angle and YEN angle, into skeletal Class I, Class II, and Class III patterns. A new linear measurement, YEN-Linear, was based on the landmarks M (midpoint of anterior maxilla) and G (center at the bottom of symphysis) and a perpendicular from these points on the functional occlusal plane. Mean (SD) YEN-Linear values were calculated in all three groups of skeletal patterns.ResultsBased on demarcations determined using statistical analyses of the YEN-Linear values, patients with YEN-Linear values from −1 to 2.5 mm were considered as skeletal Class I; >2.5 mm, as Class II; and <−1 mm, as Class III.ConclusionsThe YEN-Linear measurement was developed for the assessment of the sagittal relationship between the maxilla and the mandible. Skeletal classification by YEN-Linear values was defined as follows: Class I, −1 to 2.5 mm; Class II, >2.5 mm; and Class III, <−1 mm.