Correlation Between Condylar Position and Upper Airway Dimension in Skeletal Class II with Different Skeletal Morphology in South Indian Population: A CBCT Study

Priyanka C, Rohan Rai, Pooja Mastammanavar, Priyanka B J, Bhoomika Gowda

Abstract: Background & Objectives: The spatial configuration of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and upper airway patency are intricately related to craniofacial skeletal morphology. In skeletal Class II malocclusions, vertical facial divergence may introduce distinct biomechanical adaptations. This study evaluated the influence of vertical growth patterns on condylar position within the glenoid fossa and pharyngeal airway dimensions in skeletal Class II individuals using three-dimensional Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Methods: A cross-sectional CBCT investigation was conducted on 45 skeletal Class II adult subjects (37 females, 8 males; mean age 21.73 \pm 2.78years) categorized into three equal vertical growth groups (n = 15each): normodivergent, hypodivergent, and hyperdivergent. Cephalometric parameters ({ANB},{SN-GoGn}), joint spaces (anterior and posterior spaces for both left and right condyles), and pharyngeal airway dimensions (oropharynx, hypopharynx, and total airway) were measured. Group comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc testing, and bivariate associations were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients (0.05). Results: Skeletal Parameters: Significant intergroup differences were observed for {ANB}(p < 0.001) and {SN-GoGn} (p < 0.001), with the hyperdivergent group exhibiting the highest mean values (6.67^\circ \pm 1.88^\circand 42.13^\circ \pm 3.64^\circ, respectively). Condylar Position: Hyperdivergent individuals exhibited significant posterior condylar displacement, characterized by reduced anterior joint space (left: 1.64 \pm 0.44{ mm}) and increased posterior joint space (left: 3.45 \pm 0.64\{ mm}; right: 3.37 \pm 0.63\{ mm}) compared to hypodivergent subjects (p < 0.005). In contrast, hypodivergent subjects maintained concentric condylar positioning. Airway Dimensions: Airway dimensions diminished progressively with increasing vertical divergence. Total airway dimension was significantly lower in the hyperdivergent group (14.29 \pm 2.34\{ mm}) than in the normodivergent group (16.71 \pm 1.57{ mm}; p = 0.003). Significant intergroup reductions were also confirmed in the oropharynx (p = 0.024) and hypopharynx (p = 0.024). Correlation Analysis: Both vertical divergence {SN-GoGn}$: $r = -0.297, p = 0.048) and sagittal severity ({ANB}: $r = -0.299, p = 0.046) inversely correlated with total airway dimension. Oropharyngeal dimension demonstrated a predominant positive correlation with total airway space ($r = 0.897, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Vertical skeletal divergence significantly alters TMJ spatial morphology and compromises pharyngeal airway capacity in skeletal Class II individuals. Hyperdivergent Class II patients demonstrate pronounced posterior condylar positioning and severe airway constriction, driven primarily by oropharyngeal narrowing. Comprehensive 3D CBCT assessment is critical to incorporate joint health and airway preservation into vertical treatment planning.

Keywords: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), Skeletal Class II, Vertical Growth Patterns, Condylar Position, Upper Airway, Oropharynx, Temporomandibular Joint

How to Cite?: Priyanka C, Rohan Rai, Pooja Mastammanavar, Priyanka B J, Bhoomika Gowda, "Correlation Between Condylar Position and Upper Airway Dimension in Skeletal Class II with Different Skeletal Morphology in South Indian Population: A CBCT Study", Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1873-1881, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26823105132, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26823105132

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