Evaluation of Condylar and Airway Volume in Skeletal Class I Patients with Different Vertical Growth Patterns

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between condylar volume and airway dimensions in skeletal Class I malocclusion patients with different vertical growth patterns. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) files were analyzed using AI-performed segmentation to ensure accurate measurements. Materials and Methods: A total of 93 individuals with skeletal Class I malocclusion (55 females and 38 males; average age 21.3 ± 3.0 years) were classified into three groups (normodivergent, hyperdivergent, and hypodivergent) according to their vertical growth patterns. Upper airway and condylar volumes were calculated following AI-assisted segmentation, and their correlation was evaluated. Results: In the hyperdivergent group, both airway volume (11.2 ± 5.0 cm3) and condylar volume (1.2 ± 0.2 cm3) were significantly lower compared to the normodivergent (airway: 14.4 ± 4.9 cm3; condyle: 1.5 ± 0.3 cm3) and hypodivergent groups (airway: 14.1 ± 6.3 cm3; condyle: 1.5 ± 0.3 cm3) (p < 0.05). Although no statistically significant correlation was detected between airway volume and right condylar volume across the three groups (normodivergent: r = −0.204, p = 0.280; hypodivergent: r = 0.015, p = 0.936; hyperdivergent: r = −0.007, p = 0.971), a strong positive correlation was identified between the right and left condylar volumes in all groups (r > 0.8, p < 0.01). Conclusions: No significant statistical correlation was detected between condylar volume and airway volume across the evaluated groups. However, hyperdivergent individuals were found to have smaller condylar volumes and narrower airway volumes, which may contribute to increased airway resistance and a higher risk of respiratory dysfunctions. These findings highlight the importance of considering vertical growth patterns in orthodontic and orthopedic treatment planning, especially when evaluating airway dimensions. Additionally, a strong and statistically notable positive correlation was detected between the right and left condylar volumes across all groups.