Retrospective study on mandibular morphology towards aiding implant design

This study investigated the relationships/correlations that exist between mandibular and skeletal cephalometric measurements in an attempt to better understand the geometric properties of the mandible. These correlations are intended to aid in pre-operative planning and mandibular implant design. The analysis was performed on 30 male (25.46 ± 4.3 years) and 20 female (27.94 ± 4.2 years) South African specimens, by retrospectively analysing CT scan data. Results of the study showed a number of moderate to strong correlations existing between mandibular measurements. Conversely, no strong correlations existed between upper facial and mandibular measurements. The strongest correlations existed between bilateral mandibular measurements. This supports the intuitive observation of the mandible being symmetrical across the sagittal plane. A comparison was also drawn between certain measurements across different ethnic groups. The significant differences in measurements across these ethnic groups emphasises the need for an analysis specific to the South African population.