Menton (Me) deviation is commonly used for diagnosing facial asymmetry. This study compared angle and distance measurement in determining the severity of Me deviation for facial asymmetry diagnosis. Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic(3D CT) images of 32 patients (mean age 22.5yrs, SD 3.4yrs; 16 male, 16 female) with facial asymmetry were selected for this study. Angle and distance of Me deviation in each patient were obtained and the severity of Me deviation was determined according to the angle and the distance measurement. The severity of Me deviation by angle and distance measurement was compared and statistical analysis was performed. Eight (25%) showed disagreement in severity of Me deviation between the two measurements. The kappa coefficient on the two measurements was 0.67, showing substantial agreement. It is suggested that both angle and distance measurement be performed in determining severity of Me deivation.

This study aimed to measure ramal lengths and angles on panoramic radiography applying a polar coordinate system for analyzing facial asymmetry within normal range. Panoramic radiographs taken from 15 males and 15 females (mean age 31.33±3.7 yrs in males and 28.87±2.72 yrs in females) with symmetric-looking faces were selected. The polar coordinate system, length of condylar and ramal height and angles between the ramus tangent and the connecting line of the most inferior point of bilateral orbital rim were measured from panoramic radiographic images. Bilateral differences in the ramal and condylar heights and angles were determined by asymmetric index. The polar coordinate applied for analyzing facial asymmetry uses length and angle measure. The normal range of facial asymmetry was measured using mean and standard deviation of asymmetry index of length and angle measure. A new analysis method using polar coordinate system on panoramic radiograph may provide more accurate analysis for facial asymmetry.