Assessment of Anterior Malar Projections Using Cephalometrics and Clinical Photographs in a South Indian Population

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate gender dimorphism in anterior malar projections using clinical photographs and lateral cephalograms. Methods: Thirty subjects aged 18 - 25 years were taken for the study. Based on the gender they were divided into two groups group A (15 subjects) male and group B (15 subjects) female. On the profile photographs positive and negative vectors were labelled. Sella-nasion-orbitale (SNO) angle was delineated with the aid of NemocephTM software. The data was then statistically analysed. Results: Skeletal differences between the positive and negative vector groups on basis of SNO angles were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The angulation value obtained for SNO was smaller in the negative vector when compared to the positive vector on an average by 5.9°. No difference in values between males and females was seen. Conclusions: The projections of anterior malar can be effectively categorized by mere visually assessing the vector relationship (by photographs). This method can be used to diagnose maxillary hypoplasia and can help plan different treatment alternatives.