Cross-sectional study examines accuracy of OPGs for measuring linear and angular parameters of the mandible, suggesting careful application in orthodontics.
Introduction: Cephalometric radiography and orthopantomograms (OPGs) are critical in orthodontic diagnostics, the usefulness of the latter is controversial as compared to lateral cephalograms for measurements concerning the mandible. Objective: To assess the reliability of OPGs for linear and angular mandibular measurements compared to lateral cephalograms in orthodontic patients. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study at LUMHS, Jamshoro, from February, 2025 to May, 2025, included 118 patients aged 12–35. OPGs and lateral cephalograms were manually traced to determine mandibular body length, ramus height, and gonial angle. Analysis of data was done using SPSS (version 23), independent t-tests (p ≤ 0,05). Results: OPGs provided a higher estimate of the mandibular length (108.70 ± 6.49 mm compared to 74.17 ± 5.45 mm, p = 0.012), but showed no difference for the mandibular ramus height (60.63 ± 6.47 mm vs. 57.27 ± 6.54 mm, p = 0.839) and gonial angle (127.00 ± 6.68° versus 125.40 ± 6.67°, p = 0.631). Conclusion: OPGs are usable for ramus height and gonial angle, but not for the length of the body of the mandible, which requires careful use in orthodontics.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Saeed et al. (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: