Evaluation and association of cervical vertebral morphology, inclination and cranial base angle among various sagittal skeletal malocclusion

Objectives: Anatomical variations within the craniocervical and craniomandibular systems, along with their interrelationships, are important considerations in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. The dimensions of the cervical vertebrae have been linked to head posture, cranial base angulation, and the shape and growth pattern of the mandible. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cervicovertebral measurements and inclination, and its correlation with cranial base angle in various sagittal skeletal malocclusion in dist. Solan population. Material and Methods: Ninety pretreatment lateral cephalograms were taken of patients aged 18–30 years by a single observer and divided into 3 equal groups as Skeletal Class I, Class II, and Class III. Various linear and angular parameters denoting the cervicovertebral measurements were measured for all the 3 groups. Appropriate statistical tests were done to analyze the data. Results: Inter-group comparison showed statistically significant results in the study parameters when compared using one-way analysis of variance. A good correlation was seen with the height of the atlas and Sella-Nasion-A point angle (Steiner’s Analysis) in Class I patients, suggestive of a standard maxillo-mandibular skeletal relationship with respect to the morphology of cervical vertebrae. Conclusion: Individuals with skeletal Class I malocclusion have a greater correlation in terms of cervical vertebral morphology and cranial base relationship among all the skeletal malocclusion groups in the study.