Relationship between vertical dimension and anthropometric facial measurements in Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the occlusal vertical dimension
(OVD) and various anthropometric measurements of the face and hand in a sample of
patients treated at the Pedro Henríquez Ureña National University (UNPHU). The research is
based on the hypothesis that there is a significant correlation between these measurements
and the DVO, with the purpose of establishing auxiliary parameters that contribute to its
clinical determination, especially in oral rehabilitation contexts.
A data collection protocol was designed that included demographic information, determination
of facial biotype by clinical observation, and accurate measurements of the DVO and other
anatomical structures. Measurements were performed using high-precision digital
instruments, such as the caliper and digital optical ruler. The sample consisted of adult
patients, categorized by sex and facial biotype (mesofacial, brachyfacial and dolichofacial),
who gave informed consent.
Statistical analysis included the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to verify the normality of the data
and Pearson's correlation coefficient to evaluate the relationships between variables. The
results evidenced a strong positive correlation between DVO and vertical dimension at rest,
as well as a moderate negative correlation with interocclusal clearance, these being the most
consistent associations. On the other hand, weak to moderate correlations were observed
between DVO and measurements such as eye-commissure distance, nose-glabella length,
and ear height. As for finger measurements, correlations were weak, with slight variations
according to the sex of the patient. No significant differences were identified in relation to the
predominant hemibody.
Likewise, it was found that patients with dolichofacial biotype tend to present a decreased
DVO compared to other biotypes, which suggests the influence of the facial pattern in the
determination of this dimension. These findings underscore the need to individualize
measurement methods, considering variables such as sex and facial morphology.
In conclusion, the results obtained support the use of certain anthropometric measurements
as complementary tools in the estimation of the DVO. However, their clinical application
should be carried out with caution, adapting them to the particular characteristics of the
patient. This study provides relevant information for the Dominican population, highlighting the
importance of continuing to develop research to validate these methods in different population
contexts.

本研究旨在评估咬合垂直距离（occlusal vertical dimension, OVD）与佩德罗·恩里克·乌雷尼亚国立大学（Universidad Pedro Henríquez Ureña, UNPHU）就诊患者样本中面部及手部各项人体测量指标间的关联。本研究基于以下假说：上述测量指标与OVD存在显著相关性，以期建立辅助参数以助力临床确定咬合垂直距离，尤其适用于口腔康复场景。
研究设计了标准化数据采集方案，涵盖人口统计学信息、通过临床观察确定面部生物型，以及OVD与其他解剖结构的精准测量。测量工作采用高精度数字仪器完成，例如游标卡尺与数字光学标尺。研究样本为成年患者，按性别与面部生物型（中面型、短面型及长面型）进行分类，所有受试者均签署了知情同意书。
统计学分析采用柯尔莫哥洛夫-斯米尔诺夫检验（Kolmogorov-Smirnov test）验证数据正态性，以及皮尔逊相关系数（Pearson's correlation coefficient）评估变量间的关联。结果显示，OVD与休息位垂直距离呈强正相关，与颌间间隙（interocclusal clearance）呈中度负相关，二者为最稳定的关联。此外，OVD与眼连合间距、鼻-眉间长度、耳高等测量指标间存在弱至中度相关性。就手部测量指标而言，其与OVD的相关性较弱，且随患者性别存在细微差异。未发现与优势半侧躯体相关的显著差异。
同时研究发现，长面型生物型患者的OVD普遍低于其他生物型患者，这提示面部形态模式对该垂直距离的确定存在影响。上述研究结果强调，需结合性别与面部形态等变量，实现测量方法的个体化。
综上，本研究所得结果支持将部分人体测量指标作为估算OVD的辅助工具。但临床应用时需谨慎，应结合患者的个体特征进行调整。本研究为多米尼加人群提供了相关参考依据，同时凸显了持续开展研究以验证不同人群场景下此类方法的重要性。