Assessment of sagittal skeletal discrepancy: A comparative cephalometric analysis of linear and angular parameters

INTRODUCTION: Cephalometrics is the most frequently utilized clinical tool for assessing sagittal jaw relationships. There have been numerous linear and angular measures employed to diagnose these anteroposterior discrepancies. Each of the methods demonstrates its intrinsic characteristics based on the variation of variables besides the jaw relationship itself. The objective of this study is to make a comparative evaluation of 23 parameters, which includes linear and angular measurements of sagittal discrepancy in detail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 150 lateral cephalograms were gathered from subjects obtained in natural head position. This comparative study evaluated the mean and standard deviation, the reliability, and the correlation between various parameters and their sensitivity and specificity were calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All the measurements are statistically highly significant in determining the sagittal skeletal discrepancy. Recent angles like Beta angle, Yen angle, and Pi analysis have lots of accuracy and consistency associated with them. However, the human population exhibits significant variability, making it impossible for a single cephalometric examination to reliably determine true skeletal relationships in every circumstance. Therefore, the spectrum of cephalometric analysis must be understood by clinicians so that it can be used appropriately according to the patient’s needs.