Evaluation of skeletal variations and establishment of Cephalometric Norms in Saudi Sub Population using Bjork Jarabak’s analysis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the skeletal variations amongst individuals and to compare the measurements with the standardized linear and angular values of Bjork Jarabak’s analysis. METHODS: This study was conducted at POS Department, King Khalid University on 100 adult Saudi patients recruited through convenience sampling. It was conducted between April to September 2017, had inclusion criteria of patients between the age group 17 to 22 years showing normal occlusion. After history and examinations, lateral cephalographs were taken, scanned and traced using Dolphin Imaging Software and Cephalometric points were recognized. Linear and angular dimensions were calculated according to Bjork-Jarabak’s method. RESULTS: Analysis and assessment of Saudi male and female values revealed considerable variation in the anterior and posterior cranial base lengths (p<0.05), anterior and posterior face height, ramus height, and mandibular length. Male measurements in contrast to Jarabak’s values showed noteworthy variances in articular angle, anterior and posterior cranial base, ramus height, length of mandible, anterior face height and Jarabak’s ratio. Female dimensions in relation to Jarabak’s norms showed considerable variances in articular angle, anterior cranial base, posterior facial height with less significant values in Saudi females while compared with Jarabak’s norms apart from mandibular body length which is more in Saudi females. CONCLUSION: Skeletal variations amongst Saudi males and females were significant and comparison with standardized linear and angular values of Bjork Jarabak’s analysis was also significant.