BACKGROUND

There is a lack of a comprehensive theory about how cranium base influences the development of facial skull morphology. Due to up-to-date tomography technologies, it is possible to get more reliable information about position of basicranial bones.

OBJECTIVE

Aim of this research is to analyze anatomical and morphological features of sphenoid and vomer and their interrelationship in patients with different facial types of the skull.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT or CT) results of 120 adult patients were examined. The sample was divided into three groups depending on the facial type: mesocephalic, brachycephalic and dolichocephalic, and each group was further divided by three, depending on the skeletal class: I, II and III. Proportions, shape and positioning of sphenoid and vomer were studied on frontal and sagittal planes. Proportions of sphenoid and vomer were calculated using “A/B” formula. Shape of the bones was described with angles: Va, N-S-PSO, SSE-S-PSO. Position of vomer posterior surface was identified by angles: VSa and VSBa.

RESULTS

The results of CBCT analysis suggest that there are differences between groups with different facial types and different skeletal classes in shape and proportions of sphenoid body and sinus, as well as in shape and position of the vomer. The greatest difference is registered on the sagittal planes of CBCT between groups with brachycephalic and dolichocephalic facial types.

CONCLUSION

Basicranial bones differ in shape, proportions and position between people with different facial types and different skeletal classes.