A cephalometric study to ascertain the use of nasion as a guide in locating the position of orbitale as an anterior reference point among a population of South Coastal Karnataka

CONTEXT: To ascertain the use of nasion as a guide in locating the position of orbitale as an anterior reference point in the face-bow transfer records in individuals having different facial types. AIMS: This study evaluated the distance from the nasion to the orbitale using cephalometric measurements to ascertain the use of nasion as a guide in locating the position of orbitale as an anterior reference point in individuals having different facial types among a population of South Coastal Karnataka. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Anthropometric measurements were made on 61 subjects and they were classified into mesoprosopic, euryprosopic and leptoprosopic facial type groups based upon the prosopic index. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken and nasion to orbitale distance was measured. The collected data was tabulated and statistically analyzed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The statistical test carried out was the analysis of variance test and correlations were checked for using Pearson's correlation test. RESULTS: The study found the mean distance from nasion to orbitale was 24.25 mm with a standard deviation 4.26 mm. A good correlation was found between prosopic index and nasion to orbitale distance. No statistically significant variation in nasion to orbitale distance in individuals of different facial types was found. CONCLUSIONS: Although, variation exists it was not statistically significant. However, since a large range of measurements were found, prior evaluation using cephalometric radiographs may be necessary in certain individuals.