Comparative evaluation of mandibular canal morphology in different facial growth patterns: A cross-sectional cephalometric study

Objectives: This study aimed to compare mandibular canal morphology among different facial growth patterns and evaluate its association with vertical dysplasia indicators. Methods: Pretreatment lateral cephalograms of 111 adults were categorized into normodivergent, hypodivergent, and hyperdivergent groups. Mandibular canal angle, length, and curvature were analyzed using cephalometric software and B-spline analysis. Generalized linear models were applied to assess associations. Results: Hyperdivergent subjects exhibited significantly higher canal angulation, while hypodivergent subjects demonstrated increased canal curvature. Mandibular canal length showed no significant intergroup variation. Canal angulation correlated moderately with vertical dysplasia indices. Conclusions: Mandibular canal angulation may serve as a clinically useful cephalometric marker for facial growth pattern assessment.