Evaluation of masseter muscle in different vertical skeletal patterns in growing patients

Authors:

ABSTRACT

Aim

The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between masseter size, maxillary intermolar width and craniofacial
vertical skeletal pattern.

Methods

Study design: The study followed a prospective longitudinal design and enrolled
61 subjects (30 males and 31 females), 9-14 years of age (mean age 11.5) at 2-3 CVM stage. The participants were divided into three
groups based on their vertical skeletal pattern which was estimated using the Frankfurt-mandibular plane angle: low-angle group (L-A),
normal-angle group (N-A), high-angle group (H-A). An additional gender-based distinction was made. Maxillary intermolar width was
measured on the maxillary cast of each patient by means of an electronic caliper; masseter volume was estimated by using magnetic
resonance (MR) and masseter thickness was measured by means of ultrasonography (US). The US registrations were performed
during the relaxation state (RS) and the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the muscle. The indipendent samples T- test was
used for sex comparisons; the analysis of variance test (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the differences between the three groups in
males and females, and the Pearson r correlation coefficient was employed to assess the correlation between maxillary intermolar width
and masseter volume. RESULTS AND

Conclusion

Maxillary intermolar width, masseter volume and thickness showed significant
gender differences; all the tested variables decreased significantly according to the facial vertical pattern, with greater values in females,
especially in low- and normal-angle subjects; maxillary intermolar width and masseter volume showed significant correlations, higher in
females.

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