Airway in Class I and Class II skeletal pattern: A computed tomography study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A normal airway is required for the normal growth of the craniofacial structures. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the airway in Class I and Class II skeletal pattern and to see if there is any association between the airway and maxillomandibular relationship. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral nervous system computed tomography scans of 30 patients were divided into two groups as Class I (ANB ≤ 4.5°), Class II (ANB ≥ 4.5°). The Dolphin three-dimensional version 11 was used to assess the airway. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Correlations between the variables were tested with the Pearson correlation coefficient. Independent sample t-test was performed to compare the averages between the two groups. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The ANB angle was negatively correlated with all the airway parameters. The airway area and volume was significantly reduced in Class II subjects compared to Class I. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a strong association between the airway and skeletal pattern showing a reduced airway in Class II patients with a high ANB angle.