Relationship between vertical dimension and anthropometric facial measurements in Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña patients.
Description
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) and various anthropometric measurements of the face and hand in a sample of patients treated at the Pedro Henríquez Ureña National University (UNPHU). The research is based on the hypothesis that there is a significant correlation between these measurements and the DVO, with the purpose of establishing auxiliary parameters that contribute to its clinical determination, especially in oral rehabilitation contexts. A data collection protocol was designed that included demographic information, determination of facial biotype by clinical observation, and accurate measurements of the DVO and other anatomical structures. Measurements were performed using high-precision digital instruments, such as the caliper and digital optical ruler. The sample consisted of adult patients, categorized by sex and facial biotype (mesofacial, brachyfacial and dolichofacial), who gave informed consent. Statistical analysis included the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to verify the normality of the data and Pearson's correlation coefficient to evaluate the relationships between variables. The results evidenced a strong positive correlation between DVO and vertical dimension at rest, as well as a moderate negative correlation with interocclusal clearance, these being the most consistent associations. On the other hand, weak to moderate correlations were observed between DVO and measurements such as eye-commissure distance, nose-glabella length, and ear height. As for finger measurements, correlations were weak, with slight variations according to the sex of the patient. No significant differences were identified in relation to the predominant hemibody. Likewise, it was found that patients with dolichofacial biotype tend to present a decreased DVO compared to other biotypes, which suggests the influence of the facial pattern in the determination of this dimension. These findings underscore the need to individualize measurement methods, considering variables such as sex and facial morphology. In conclusion, the results obtained support the use of certain anthropometric measurements as complementary tools in the estimation of the DVO. However, their clinical application should be carried out with caution, adapting them to the particular characteristics of the patient. This study provides relevant information for the Dominican population, highlighting the importance of continuing to develop research to validate these methods in different population contexts.
Files
Steps to reproduce
For data collection, a document was created to record all the necessary information. This document had sections dedicated to the patient's personal information, as well as the informed consent, and a specific section with the names of the structures relevant to the study. The sections used for the data collection form were as follows: Demographic information: Name, age, sex, race, occupation, origin of parents and grandparents. Determination of facial biotype: To determine the facial biotype, a clinical observation of the patient's facial features and the relationship between the height and width of the face was performed. Determination of interpupillary distance: This was carried out using a PD Hanchen optical digital ruler placed on the patients' nasal septum. Determination of DVO: For the measurement of the vertical dimension, the patient was placed at a right angle and asked to perform occlusion. The measurement was carried out using a Mitutoyo Japan 500-196-30 150mm/6” digital caliper, placing its lower end at the base of the chin, while the upper end was gently raised until it came into contact with the base of the nasal septum. The measurements obtained were recorded in millimeters. Once the data had been collected using the instrument, they were systematically tabulated and presented using Microsoft Office Excel software, excluding any type of information that could expose the identity of the files analyzed. For each file, a coding system was used that included the acronym of the clinic, followed by an order number. The tabulation process involved organizing the data in tables that clearly reflected the variables studied, as well as their distribution and frequency within the sample analyzed. Once the data were tabulated and systematically organized, we proceeded with their analysis. First, descriptive statistical measures were calculated, including the mean, standard deviation, median and interquartile range for all study parameters. Correlation between variables was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. In addition, a linear regression analysis was performed with the aim of generating equations to estimate the Vertical Dimension Occlusal (VDO).
Institutions
- Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Urena