Characteristics Of Craniocervical Posture In Skeletal Class II Adolescent Patients

This study aimed to investigate the craniocervical posture of adolescent patients with skeletal class II malocclusion across different vertical facial patterns and provide a reference for treatment. According to the inclusion criteria, 34 skeletal class II malocclusion patients (aged 8–15 years) treated in the department between 2022 and 2024 were selected and categorized into low-angle, average-angle, and high-angle groups. Cephalometric radiographs taken in NHP were used to measure and analyze craniocervical postural indicators. Differences in craniocervical posture variables among the three vertical facial patterns were compared. Head posture was most extended in the low-angle group and most flexed in the high-angle group. Cervical curvature exhibited statistically significant differences among the three groups (P < 0.05), being smallest in the low-angle group and largest in the high-angle group. Significant differences in craniocervical posture were observed among skeletal class II adolescent patients with different vertical facial patterns. The high-angle group exhibited greater head flexion, while the low-angle group displayed more extended head posture. Given that TMD are often associated with head extension, clinicians should pay closer attention to the TMJ in skeletal class II low-angle patients. Additionally, cervical curvature was most pronounced in the high-angle group. Since excessive cervical curvature is commonly seen in OSAHS patients, timely correction of poor cervical posture in skeletal Class II high-angle patients may help prevent OSAHS.