Morphometric evaluation of anterior nasal spine with cone beam computed tomography

Aim: The anterior nasal spine (ANS) is a bony protrusion on the midline of the maxilla, located in the anterior region of the nasal cavity floor. The aim of this study was to determine the morphologic and morphometric features of the ANS on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and to evaluate their relationship with age and gender. Material and Method: In this study, CBCT images obtained for various indications from patients admitted between July 1, 2020, and December 31, 2023, were retrospectively analyzed. The length, angle and width of the ANS were measured on axial and sagittal sections. The shape of the ANS was assessed on axial sections and recorded as irregular, triangular, single rod, double rod. The data obtained were statistically analyzed at 5% significance level. Results: CBCT images from 979 patients (561 women and 418 men), aged between 18 and 80 years, were evaluated. In axial and sagittal sections, the mean lengths of the ANS were 9.19±2.06 mm and 5.56±1.86 mm, respectively, while the mean angles were 108.94±12.51° and 70.14±16.26°, respectively. The mean width of the ANS was 5.72±1.92 mm. The mean length and angle of the ANS in males were found to be longer and lower, respectively, than those of females. Statistically significant differences were observed in ANS length and angle between genders (p<0.05), but no significant difference was found in ANS width (p=0.056). The most common ANS shape was triangular (n=534, 54.5%), followed by double rod (n=226, 23.1%), single rod (n=131, 13.4%), and irregular shape (n=88, 9%). A significant difference in ANS shape was observed between genders (p=0.037). While there was no significant correlation between the length and angle of the ANS and age, a statistically significant, weak and positive correlation was found with the width of the ANS (r=0.063, p=0.047). Conclusion: A comprehensive understanding of ANS morphology is of critical importance in dentistry, medicine and forensic applications. We believe that the data we obtained will be useful in surgical procedures, orthodontic treatments, forensic investigations, and comparative analysis of future studies.