CBCT Analysis of Oropharynx Airway Volume

Abstract

Objective: The study was performed to analyze the oropharynx airway and examine the influence of age and gender on the oropharynx volume configuration using cone beam computed tomography. Materials and Methods: This study examined the cone beam computed tomographic images of 51 patients 25 male and 26 females, group matched for age and gender. The oropharynx airway volume and area between the posterior nasal spine and top of the epiglottis were measured and compared. Results: The statistical measurements of 51 cone beam computed tomography images showed a nonsignificant difference found between male and female regarding the age (the mean age for female 40.15 y. and for male32.72 y). Male subjects had greater oropharynx volume, a high significant difference (P=0.005) in oropharynx volume between the 3 age groups. A significant difference was found between the smallest age group with the larger age groups. Conclusion: The study data revealed that the changes in measurements of oropharynx airway are age-dependent in addition to gender effect.