Sella landmark variability and its effect on the Angles SNA and SNB: a comparative study

Variabilidade do ponto Sela e seu efeito em ângulos SNA e SNB: um estudo comparativo

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To determine intra- and inter-observer precision in Sella (S), Nasion (N), point A and B identification. Additionally, to determine how it can interfere with angular measurements of SNA and SNB by orthodontists and dentomaxillofacial radiologists.

Methods:

Twenty digital lateral cephalometric radiographs were evaluated by five orthodontists and five dentomaxillofacial radiologists.

Results:

Differences in linear and angular measuremts were assessed. Intra- and inter-observer agreement was evaluated. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of the horizontal and vertical components of the S landmark identification (ICC: 0.75/0.90). Orthodontists tended to produce larger SNA (-0.18º), while SNB angle had a tendency to be smaller (0.55º). In general, SNA angle was smaller (DMFRs: -0.308º and orthodontists: -0.092º), and SNB presented with larger values (DMFR: 0.078º and orthodontists: -0.074º).

Conclusion:

Identification of the Sella landmark revealed a better agreement amongst dentomaxillofacial radiologists. Orthodontists, however, showed a larger variability in S identification and, consequently, the SNA and SNB angles drifted significantly.

Indexing terms:
Cephalometry; Comparative study; Orthodontics

RESUMO

Objetivo:

Determinar a precisão intra e inter-observador na identificação dos pontos Sella (S), Násio (N), A e B. Também, verificar como a identificação dos pontos pode interferir nas medições angulares de SNA e SNB por ortodontistas e radiologistas odontológicos.

Métodos:

Vinte telerradiografias laterais digitais foram avaliadas por cinco ortodontistas e cinco radiologistas odontológicos. Diferenças de medidas lineares e angulares foram avaliadas.

Resultados:

Concordância intra e inter-observador foi avaliada e a reprodutibilidade intra e inter-observador dos componentes horizontais e verticais da identificação S marco (ICC: 0,75 / 0,90). Ortodontistas tenderam a produzir maior valor para SNA (-0.18º), enquanto que para o ângulo SNB houve tendência a dimininuição do valor (0.55º). Em geral, os valores obtidos para o ângulo SNA foram menores (radiologistas: -0.308º e ortodontistas: -0.092º) e SNB apresentados com valores maiores (radiologistas: -0.074º: 0.078º e ortodontistas). Concordância intra e inter-observador foi avaliada e a reprodutibilidade intra e inter-observador dos componentes horizontais e verticais da identificação S marco (ICC: 0,75 / 0,90). Ortodontistas tenderam a produzir maior valor para SNA (-0.18º), enquanto que para o ângulo SNB houve tendência a dimininuição do valor (0.55º). Em geral, os valores obtidos para o ângulo SNA foram menores (radiologistas: -0.308º e ortodontistas: -0.092º) e SNB apresentados com valores maiores (radiologistas: -0.074º: 0.078º e ortodontistas).

Conclusão:

A identificação do ponto Sella revelou uma melhor concordância entre os radiologistas odontológicos. Ortodontistas, no entanto, mostraram uma maior variabilidade na identificação do ponto S e, consequentemente, os ângulos SNA e SNB variaram significativamente. A identificação do ponto Sella revelou uma melhor concordância entre os radiologistas odontológicos. Ortodontistas, no entanto, mostraram uma maior variabilidade na identificação do ponto S e, consequentemente, os ângulos SNA e SNB variaram significativamente.

Termos de indexação:
Circunferência craniana; Estudo comparativo; Ortodontia

INTRODUCTION

On lateral radiographs the sella turcica or pituitary fossa is a radiodense saddle-shaped outline of the fossa extending between the anterior and posterior clinoid processes¹. It is routinely traced for cephalometric analysis^1-3. Since the introduction of lateral cephalometric radiography by Broadbent⁴ in 1931, this radiographic technique has been widely used in orthodontics to evaluate cranial and dentofacial growth. Cephalometric analyses are based on angular and linear measurements, which might present some errors⁵, One of the major causes of error in cephalometric analyses occurs in landmark identification, moreover certain cephalometric points are more difficult to identify^6-7. The Sella (S) point, which is located at the midpoint cavity of the sella turcica⁶. This point is considered to be a floating landmark because it is identified by visual criteria and is not situated on a specific structure⁸.

Inaccurate landmark identification may lead to erroneous diagnoses and treatment plans for orthodontic cases^9-10. Some investigations, focused on the reliability of observers (clinicians, orthodontists, dental auxiliaries) to locate landmarks and make cephalometric measurements. However, no previous studies were found comparing its consistency between orthodontist and dentomaxillofacial radiologists.

The aims of this study were to determine intra- and inter-observer precision on the identification of Sella (S) landmark. Additionally, Nasion (N), points A and B identification. Moreover, to determine how differences on this landmark identification could interfere with angular measurements of SNA and SNB by orthodontists and dentomaxillofacial radiologists.

METHODS

Twenty digital lateral cephalometric radiographs were retrospectively selected from the database at the Oral Imaging Centre, University of Leuven. The study was approved approved from the mandatory institutional review board. (900079). Lateral cephalograms were acquired by positioning the patients in a standard cephalometric device (Veraviewepocs 2D^(r), J. Morita, Kyoto, Japan). The exposure values were set at 77 kV and 7.2 mA, with an exposure time of approximately 1.6 s, according to each patient. The radiographs were considered to have good quality. Patients' sex, age, racial group, type of occlusion and skeletal pattern were not considered. Inclusion criteria were:

• No evidence of current orthodontic treatment;

• Digital cephalometric image were of good quality to allow landmark identification, and the ruler on the radiograph was clearly visible, allowing image calibration in the cephalometric analysis software program;

• There were no unerupted or partially erupted incisors that could have compromised landmarks identification;

• No gross skeletal asymmetry.

All images selected were then exported in TIFF format.

Analysis

A file with 20 lateral cephalometric radiographs was sent by e-mail to ten experienced observers (five orthodontists and five dentomaxillofacial radiologists [DMFR]). Each observer identified the following landmarks on each radiograph: Sella (S), Point A (A), Point B (B) and Nasion (N), by placing a predefined red dot (Figure 1). A detailed explanation of the procedure and definitions of the 4 landmarks were given (orally and on paper) to all observers. Thus, observers followed the same landmarks definitions during the identification process. The same procedure was repeated 8 weeks after to test intra-observer variance.

Figure 1
Lateral cephalometric radiograph showing the identified landmarks and measured angles.

After receiving all files, the main observer exported the images in TIFF format, and subsequently imported them to the computerized program for cephalometric analysis (Radiocef Studio 2; Radio Memory Ltd., Belo Horizonte, Brazil). Calibration of the actual size of each image, in millimetres, was based on measurement of a known distance (10 mm) between two fixed points on the LCR. Vertical and horizontal positions of each landmark were recorded in the format of x and y coordinates. Angles SNB (indicates whether the mandible is normal, prognathic, or retrognathic) and SNA (indicates whether the maxilla is normal, prognathic, or retrognathic) were measured.

The digitized landmarks' coordinates and measured angles were then copied into the Excel software (Version 2003; Microsoft, Redmond, Washington, USA).

Statistical analysis

Variation of landmark identification and angle measurements differences, mean, standard deviation and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) was analysed. Intra- and inter-observer reliability for each landmark in the x and y directions were calculated using ICC with a confidence interval of 95%. General guidelines for ICC rate as excellent an ICC of > 0.90, an ICC of 0.75-0.90 as good, and an ICC of < 0.75 as poor to moderate reliability¹¹. Angles SNA and SNB were categorized according to standard values, defined by Steiner's cephalometric analysis¹⁰. Weighted kappa was calculated as well as the percentage of agreement (agreement measurements/total measurements). SNA and SNB values were observed and patient diagnosis was performed for each observation. Statistical Package for Social Sciences 20.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA) was used for statistical analysis with statistical significance for all tests at α = 0.05.

RESULTS

Intra-and inter-observer reproducibility regarding identification of the horizontal and vertical components of S landmark, the ICC ranged between 0.75 and 0.90, implying that there was a good intra-observer agreement, as well as between dentomaxillofacial radiologists and orthodontists (Table 1). Two observers obtained an ICC on the horizontal component as poor to moderate (<0.75). One observer also achieved a poor-to-moderate agreement on the S landmark vertical component. In general, orthodontists tended to identify the S point more to the right (x direction -0.22 mm) and lower (y direction -0.28 mm) than dentomaxillofacial radiologists (Figure 2).

Table 1
Intra- and inter-observer differences in S landmark identification (mm).

	Horizontal component (x)				Vertical component (y)
	Mean	SD	ICC	[CI 95%]	Mean	SD	ICC	[CI 95%]
DMFR	0.08	0.40	0.984	0.961-0.994	-0.17	0.52	0.995	0.986-0.998
Orthodontists	0.25	0.54	0.943	0.861-0.977	-1.09	1.26	0.961	0.905-0.984
DMFR-Ortho	-0.22	0.95	0.443	0.863-0.977	-0.28	1.47	0.944	0.865-0.978

• Note: SD - standard deviation; ICC - Intraclass correlation; CI (5% - 95%) confidence interval.

Figure 2
Example of identification of the S landmark by all observers in the same patient.

Intra- and inter-observer reliability of SNA and SNB angles is shown on Table 2. We found, in general, ICC values superior to 0.90, which shows an excellent agreement intra- and inter-observer for the two angles. An ICC between 0.75 and 0.90 was identified by three observers regarding angle SNA, and for one observer regarding SNB. Orthodontists tended to produce larger SNA (-0.18º) angles than dentomaxillofacial radiologists. In contrast, angle SNB tended to be lower when measured by orthodontists (0.55º) (Table 2).

Table 2
Intra- and inter-observer differences in S landmark identification (mm).

	SNA				SNB
	Mean	SD	ICC	[CI 95%]	Mean	SD	ICC	[CI 95%]
DMFRs	-0.10	0.60	0.905	0.770-0.961	-0.01	0.52	0.976	0.948-0.997
Orthodontists	0.31	0.70	0.927	0.824-0.970	0.23	0.67	0.967	0.920-0.994
DMFR-Ortho	-0.18	0.65	0.977	0.942-0.991	0.55	1.26	0.937	0.845-0.994

• Note: SD - standard deviation; ICC - Intraclass correlation; CI (5% - 95%) confidence interval

To analyse differences in landmark identification and its effect on angles SNA and SNB, a correlation method was used (Table 3).

Table 3
Correlation between point S identification of and its effect on SNA and SNB angles.

	SNA		SNB
	r	p	R	p
DMFRs	-0.308	0.186	0.078	0.743
Orthodontists	-0.092	0.699	-0.074	0.075

• Note: r- Pearson correlation; p - 0.05.

On one hand, we found that if there were higher differences in landmark identification, the SNA angle was smaller (DMFRs: -0.308º and orthodontists: -0.092º). On the other hand, for the SNB, we saw that if the distance between landmarks was higher, the angles tended to be higher (DMFR: 0.078º and orthodontists: -0.074º). Nevertheless, these results were not statistically significant.

It was observed that in a number of cases, maxilla and mandibular positions diagnosis was changed due to differences in SNA and SNB angles (Table 4). SNA angle revealed changes between 0.50º and 7.92º, while the minimum difference on SNB was of 0.31º and the major was of 8.42º.

Table 4
Number of cases (n) in which diagnosis was changed, regarding the SNA and SNB standard values, according to each observer. Minimum and maximum degree variations are indicated.

	SNA (n)	Minimum (o)		Maximum (o)	SNB (n)	Minimum (o)		Maximum (o)
Observer 1	4	1.33		6.83	1		1.96
Observer 2	1		1.62		3	0.31		5.21
Observer 3	6	0.50		5.99	1		0.90
Observer 4	6	1.07		6.07	1		6.00
Observer 5	0		-		0		-
Observer 6	1	1.31		7.24	7	2.45		8.42
Observer 7	5	0.64		7.92	4	0.40		8.71
Observer 8	6	1.01		4.07	2	1.01		2.73
Observer 9	8	1.58		6.00	3	1.21		2.39
Observer 10	5	1.81		4.95	7	1.07		5.55

Amongst orthodontists, the variability of these angles was different changing patients' diagnosis 25 times, regarding maxillary position (SNA angle). Mostly, the position of the maxilla was changed from normal to retruded. Only in one case diagnosis was modified from protruded to retruded maxilla.

A slightly higher percentage of agreement was evident for orthodontists (70%) in relation to dentomaxillofacial radiologists (55%).

When measured by dentomaxillofacial radiologists, angle SNB was changed in six patients. The percentage of agreement for the SNB was equal in both groups (80%). The value in which the SNB is considered normal was changed by orthodontists 23 times. Major differences were noted between diagnoses of normal to retruded mandible. The diagnosis was modified from retruded to protruded mandible only in one case.

DISCUSSION

Inaccurate landmark identification is one the most frequent source of error in cephalometric analysis^12-14. Also, observers training experience and background may lead to errors^7,15-17. All orthodontists involved in this study had the same background experience, since they were trained at the same institution. Some differences in background education existed between dentomaxillofacial radiologists. To eliminate possible errors that could arise from this, a detailed explanation of landmark's definition was given by the main author.

SN plane represents the anterior cranial base. Variability in S landmark identification may modify angles SNA and SNB. On our previous study, we found that landmark S had low intra- and inter-observer variability, which was consistent with other studies^7,13,18. Depending on the error magnitude, landmarks identification, patient's diagnosis can change. We studied how an imprecise identification of point S could lead to different SNA and SNB angles. According to some authors, landmark identification errors inferior to 1 mm are considered accurate^13,19. Other authors believe that a difference of 2 mm is considered acceptable and does not have any influence in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment plan^17,20 Reliability of S landmark identification was relatively low, presenting a deviation of -0.22 mm in the x direction and of 0.28 mm in the y direction. Some cephalometric landmarks are more reliable in either the horizontal or vertical plane²¹. We had previously revealed a low variability of the S landmark. In that previous study, we had suggested that, with a small range of variation (> 2 mm) in landmark identification, patient diagnosis could change. Nevertheless, in general, in the present study, intra- and inter-observer agreement for the SNA and SNB angles was good (ICC 0.75-0.90). Our results showed a relatively high standard deviation, this could be justified by the sample heterogeneity. It consisted of 20 patients of both genders, and ages between 10 and 18 years.

Steiner²² used angles SNA and SNB for patients' diagnoses. We revealed that minor changes in S landmark identification could change both SNA and SNB classifications. Dentomaxillofacial radiologists, showed differences in patient's diagnosis in 17 cases out of 100 observations. Regarding SNB, mandible position diagnosis was changed in 5 cases. Overall, a higher variability was found amongst orthodontists. Between orthodontists, maxillary position diagnosis was changed in 25 cases, while mandible's position diagnosis was changed in 23 cases. Larger variations were found in both groups on the SNA angle. This could happen due to point A identification, which is more difficult to identify than point B. We should remember that "standard" values for these two angles were defined by a small number of individuals that were supposed to be representative of a population. Due to the inflexible interval given for these angles, patients who deviate just slightly from the standard value may have an erroneous diagnosis. We suggested that changes of 0.50º in SNA and of 0.31º in SNB could alter patient's diagnosis concerning mandible and the maxilla positions. An incorrect diagnosis may lead to erroneous orthodontic treatment. To perform a diagnosis and treatment plan in orthodontics, many variables are taken into account; therefore, each step of the process should be performed with maximum accuracy. The results of this study question the validity of cephalometric analysis in orthodontics, since a small variation on these landmarks' identification can lead to different diagnosis and, thus, different treatment plans.

In the present study, the selected radiographs had good technical and imaging quality. In this way, the inaccuracy observed on some landmark identification could be related to examiners' performance on identification of cephalometric points.

The results found can explain the variability on, the identification of landmark, in relation to two dental specializations. LCR used presented high quality standards, so discrepancy on landmark identification between professionals of these two dental specialties could be justified by the superimposed anatomical structures present in 2D LCR. This can be minimized since the introduction of 3D imaging, which eliminates overlapping of anatomical structures and magnification⁶.

Lau et al.²⁰ analyzed inter-examiner variation on landmark identification by orthodontic and oral and maxillofacial surgery students. The results showed a high rate of errors, both in the identification of points as in the angular and linear measurements derived from these. These authors suggested that individual perception might be the reason.

Different graphic radiographic can occur due to the lack of precision on landmark definition or inadequate verification of the bony structures^12,23.

Inter-observer errors, are greater than intra-observer faults²⁴. Intra-observer errors are related to educational level and experience²⁰.

Errors related to landmark identification, occur among other factors due to anatomical variability of landmark location, patient's head position variations, image magnification, difficulties that arise a 2-dimensional image representing a 3-dimensional structure and also owing to overlapping of bilateral structures^23,25-28. Inter-observer inconsistencies in landmark identification and tracing errors are also major sources of discrepancies²⁹. A potential source of error in landmark identification is associated with anatomic complexity of radiographic images and difficulty in delineating a landmark on a curved anatomical boundary²⁵. Orthodontists tended to identify the S point lower and more to the right than dentomaxillofacial radiologists, which may be explained by the variations in the size and clinoid process morphology. Also, the anterior clinoid process are larger and more variable. Radiographic anatomy knowledge is of extreme importance^1-3. Individual morphologic variations caused by growth may affect landmark recognition.

It may be expected that digital imaging would reduce landmark identification errors. Additionally, individual conception of landmark definition and its perception can affect landmark location⁷. However, it is also interesting to note that skeletal morphology extreme variations do not interfere with accuracy of cephalometric evaluation.

Several authors, investigated intra- and inter-observer variability in landmark identification¹⁹. Gravely and Benzies¹³ concluded that dental auxiliaries showed a greater variability in point identification compared to orthodontists. Standardization of observers prior to landmark registration tended to decrease variability among operators. In this study, we compared the reliability of 2 dental specialties to identify 2 D cephalometric landmarks. No previous studies evaluated its consistency amongst dentomaxillofacial radiologists and orthodontists. We used the talents of orthodontists and dentomaxillofacial radiologists to evaluate intra- and inter-observer identification of landmarks Sella (S), Nasion (N), point A and B) and evaluate how it could interfere with SNS and SNB measurements.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Sella landmark identification tended to have a better agreement amongst dentomaxillofacial radiologists. Orthodontists, however, showed a larger variability in S identification and, consequently, the SNA and SNB angles drifted significantly. Small modifications in identifications of the S, N, A and B points may lead to differences in angles SNA and SNB. Therefore, patient diagnosis and treatment can vary. More differences existed regarding SNA than SNB. Further studies on a larger patient sample with inclusion of more borderline cases may be needed to determine the real clinical impact on treatment planning.

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  Sept 2016

History

• Received
  09 Mar 2016
• Reviewed
  20 May 2016
• Accepted
  04 June 2016