Variation in the Inclination of the Cranial Base on Lateral Skull Radiographs of Puno Inhabitants

Condori L.A.; Palomino K.P.P.; Velazco G.C.V. · Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies (2026) · DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-24262-4_18

Resumen

The cranial base is a key anatomical reference in cephalometric analysis, influencing craniofacial growth and orthodontic diagnosis. However, its inclination may vary according to sex, age, and population-specific factors. Evidence on this parameter in high-altitude Andean populations is limited, restricting the applicability of international reference values to local contexts. To determine the variation in cranial base inclination (SN–FH angle) in lateral skull radiographs of Puno inhabitants and to analyze its association with sex and age. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 lateral skull radiographs (103 females, 97 males; aged 14–54 years) from residents of Puno, Peru. The SN–FH angle was measured using AI-assisted WebCeph software and classified as decreased (<6°), normal (6°–8°), or increased (>8°). Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied to evaluate associations (p < 0.05). An increased cranial base inclination was the most prevalent finding (47%), followed by normal (42.5%) and decreased (10.5%) values. Significant associations were observed with sex (p = 0.016) and age (p = 0.028). Increased inclination predominated in females (28.5%) and in the 12–25-year age group (33%), whereas normal inclination was more common among males and older individuals. The cranial base inclination among Puno inhabitants shows marked variability, with predominance of increased values and significant associations with sex and age. These findings emphasize the need to develop population-specific cephalometric standards to improve diagnostic accuracy and support the use of AI-based tools for individualized orthodontic assessment in high-altitude populations. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional del Altiplano