The head posture and cervicovertebral morphology during the growth period

OBJECTIVES: To study the cervicovertebral morphology and head posture from lateral cephalometric radiographs on standardized head posture and propose an innovative method to obtain the cephalometric radiographs on standardized head posture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 26 individuals (12 girls and 14 boys) divided into 2 groups, according to the stages of skeletal maturation based on cervical vertebrae analysis from lateral cephalometric radiographs: group I (initiation phase) and group II (acceleration phase). 34 vertebral variables were studied.

RESULTS: The technique to obtain the cephalometric radiographs was reproducible. Of the 24 vertebral variables were greater in boys of group I, 31 were greater in boys of the group II. Some differences between boys and girls were statiscally significant (p<0,05). Measurements of cervicovertebral morphology were larger on the group II, except for intervertebral space and inclination of the first cervical vertebrae. Moreover the inferior depth of C2, C3 e C4, measurements-like inferior depth of C5 (PIC5), the anterior height of C4 and C5 (AAC4 and AAC5) and the posterior heigh of C5 (APC5) were useful vertebral parameters for the determination of the skeletal maturation stages. The head posture of boys showed a trend for greater cervico-horizontal angles (OPT/HOR, CVT/HOR) and smaller lordosis angle (OPT/CVT) than girls (p>0,05). The cervico-horizontal angles (OPT/HOR, CVT/HOR) decreased with skeletal maturation on both gender.

CONCLUSION: The investigation of the variations of the cervical vertebrae morphology and of the head posture during the growth period from lateral cephalometric radiographs has a relevant importance, mainly for orthodontists in the determination of the skeletal maturation stages.