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. 2010 Apr;1(2):66-9.
doi: 10.4103/0976-237X.68589.

Lateral cephalometry: A simple and economical clinical guide for assessment of nasopharyngeal free airway space in mouth breathers

Navneet Grewal  1 , Alkesh V Godhane
Affiliations

Lateral cephalometry: A simple and economical clinical guide for assessment of nasopharyngeal free airway space in mouth breathers

Navneet Grewal et al. Contemp Clin Dent. 2010 Apr.

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal obstruction by adenoid enlargement is one of the main causes of mouth breathing. Cephalometric radiographs and rhinomanometric tests to evaluate nasal obstruction have been available for several decades. Various lines and areas have been interpreted by number of investigators to implicate the enlarged adenoid in a casual relationship with mouth breathing and the subsequent effect on vertical facial growth. The aim of this paper is to review lateral cephalometric tracing methods combined with newer Auto-cad surface area measurement program so that assessment of the nasopharyngeal free airway space can be done based on it, before more rigorous ear-nose-throat follow up is needed for the patient.

Keywords: Auto-cad surface area measurement; lateral cephalometry; mouth breathing nasopharyngeal free airway space.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Reference points
Figure 2
Figure 2
Reference lines
Figure 3
Figure 3
Variables of nasopharynx
Figure 4
Figure 4
Areas of nasopharynx
Figure 5
Figure 5
Air area calculation using AutoCad software
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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