Cephalometric evaluation and comparison of glenoid fossa position in class iii skeletal malocclusion in kashmir population

Background: Various skeletal malocclusions in sagittal plane have been related to the position of glenoid fossa in anterioposterior dimension. Different dental and skeletal abnormalities interact with each other to cause different malocclusions of various areas of the dentofacial region.A posteriorly or anteriorly placed glenoid fossa may predispose the mandible to be placed in the distal or mesial position, thus increasing the tendency towards a Class II or Class III skeletal malocclusion. This study is conducted to compare the glenoid fossa position in subjects presenting with skeletal Class III malocclusion and skeletally Class I malocclusion. Methods: The sample consisted of lateral cephalograms of 60 subjects (Class I=30, Class III=30). Cephalometric tracings were done and various measurements taken. The Sample was differentiated into 2 classes using ANB angle, Wits appraisal and Beta angle. The recorded data was compiled and entered in a spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel) and then exported to data editor of SPSS Version 20.0 for analysis. Results: Glenoid fossa was positioned mesial and anteriorly in Class III malocclusion in comparison to Class I malocclusion. An effective measurement to evaluate glenoid fossa position in craniofacial relationships is the cephalometric distance from the glenoid fossa to the frontomaxillary-nasal suture. There was no significant difference in vertical positioning of glenoid fossa in two classes. Conclusion: A mesially and anteriorly placed glenoid fossa is an important diagnostic feature of Class III skeletal malocclusion with retrognathic mandible.