Skull Biomechanics and Simplified Cephalometric Lines for the Estimation of Muscular Lines of Action

Abstract

Our study introduces a novel cephalometric analysis aimed at facilitating biomechanical simulations by elucidating the intricate relationship between craniofacial morphology and the size and inclination of the masseter muscle (MM) while incorporating muscle values. Our study analyzes the line of action of the MM drawn between the Gonion (Go) and Orbital (Or) points concerning dental and skeletal references (occlusal and Frankfort planes). A total of 510 pre-treatment lateral cephalometric tracings (217 males, 293 females, aged 6–50 years) and lateral Bolton standard tracings were examined. The key parameters investigated include (a) skeletal-cutaneous class (linear distance between projections of points A′ and B′ on the occlusal plane), (b) the angle between the perpendicular line to the occlusal plane and the Go-Or line at the molar occlusal point, and (c) the angle between the Go-Or line and the Frankfort plane. The assessment of anterior-posterior jaw discrepancy, measured as the skeletal-cutaneous class, ranged from −14.5 to 15.5 mm. Abnormal values were identified in two adolescents, showing no gender- or age-related patterns. The angle between the MM’s line of action (Go-Or) and the normal to the occlusal plane averaged 39.3°, while the angle between Go-Or and Po-Or (Frankfort plane) averaged 41.99°. Age had an impact on these angles, with an average 3° decrease in adults and a 4° increase between ages 6 and 50. A weak relationship was observed between sagittal jaw discrepancy and the angle between Go-Or and the Frankfort plane, with about 20% of the variance explained by the anteroposterior maxillary-mandibular relationship. In conclusion, the study presents a cephalometric analysis of the relationship between craniofacial morphology and masseter muscle parameters. It finds that age influences the angles between key reference points, while the skeletal-cutaneous class does not exhibit age- or gender-specific trends. These findings can contribute to a better understanding of craniofacial biomechanics and aid in clinical orthodontic assessments and treatment planning.