Three-dimensional evaluation of cervical vertebral morphology in skeletal classes of malocclusion in Yemeni patients: a cross-sectional study

Background Cervical vertebral morphology assessment helps in the detection of skeletal maturity. This study aimed to evaluate the morphology of cervical vertebrae in individuals with different skeletal Classes of malocclusion.Materials and Methods A retrospective study was conducted from orthodontic records of 78 Yemeni subjects (ages: 18–30 years old; 34 males &44 females), using their Pre-treatment CBCT images. According to the ANB angle, the individuals were divided into three groups: Class I, Class II, and Class III. Each group included 26 subjects. The CBCT images of these 78 subjects were evaluated to assess the morphology of the first cervical vertebra(C1) of all groups. Eight linear variables and one angular variable were compared in all groups including the horizontal outer anteroposterior diameter of the first cervical vertebra (HOAPC1), the horizontal inner anteroposterior diameter of C1(HIAPC1), the horizontal outer transverse diameter of C1(HOTDC1), the lateral outer anteroposterior diameter of C1(LOAPC1), and the frontal outer transverse diameter of C1(FOTDC1).Results Cervical vertebral morphology varied among individuals with different anteroposterior skeletal patterns. HOAPC1: Class II measurements were significantly higher than Class I(p < 0.001) and Class III(p = 0.014); Class III measurements were significantly higher than Class I(p = 0.001). Outer Margin: Class II measurements were significantly increased compared to Class I and Class III(p < 0.001). Dorsal Arch Class III measurements significantly increased compared to Class I(p = 0.017). Superior Surface, Dens Angle Occlusal, and FOTDC showed significant differences between the three groups.Conclusion The morphology of the cervical vertebrae is influenced by the anteroposterior relationship between the maxilla and the mandible.