Association of Gonial Angle with Hand Grip Strength in Vertical, Horizontal and Average Growers: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The orthodontic treatment focuses on improving facial esthetics and functional occlusion by improving the masticatory function, including masticatory chewing pattern, masticatory muscle activity, maximum occlusal force, and occlusal contact area. In orthodontics, every decision is based on the patient’s growth pattern and muscle strength. Aim: To evaluate the gonial angle, hand grip strength and association of the gonial angle with Hand Grip Strength(HGS) in vertical, horizontal and average growers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 24th June 2021 to 24th July 2022 in the Orthodontics Department at Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital in Sawangi, Wardha District, Maharashtra, India on a total of 196 patients. Data were categorized according to the growth pattern. For the vertical growth pattern, 49 patients were selected, 49 for the horizontal growth pattern, and 98 for the average growth pattern. A Jamar hand dynamometer was used to measure HGS and gonial angle using a lateral cephalogram. Study compared the results using inferential and descriptive statistics with a Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (one-way) and multiple comparisons with the Tukey test. Also, p<0.05 was considered as a level of significance. Results: The data of total of 49 patients in vertical growth pattern, 49 for the horizontal growth pattern, and 98 for the average growth pattern was collected and analysed. Grip strength and Gonial angle were compared between horizontal, average, and vertical growers. The gonial angle ranged from 101°to 124° in the average growth pattern, 81° to 99° in the horizontal growth pattern and 121° to 156° in the vertical growth pattern. The HGS in the horizontal growth pattern patients ranged from 27.2 Kg to 57.5 Kg. The HGS in the vertical growth pattern ranged from 14.7 Kg to 37.7 Kg. In the vertical growth pattern, the HGS was decreased compared to the Horizontal growth pattern group. To determine the factor of HGS, Gonial angle is the most prominent one. The assessment of growth patterns is vital in diagnosis and treatment planning. Conclusion: The study concluded that due to weak muscle strength, vertical group cases should be treated more carefully