title: Does a transverse maxillary deficit affect the cervical vertebrae? A pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the morphology of the cervical vertebrae of subjects with transverse maxillary constriction.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study population included 40 subjects (7-11 years of age) undergoing palatal expansion to correct transverse maxillary constriction, and a control group of 40 subjects (7-11 years of age) without transverse maxillary constriction. Two observers assessed cervical morphology on lateral cephalograms by means of templates showing cervical maturation sequences. Round angles and concave vertebral body edges were classified as vertebral anomalies that could not be associated with physiologic vertebral growth. Agreement between the data collected by the observers was assessed with the Cohen kappa test, and the data of the 2 groups were compared with the Fisher exact test (P <0.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 2 observers agreed in their assessments (k >0.5). The greater percentage of vertebral defects in the study group was significant (P <0.05) according to both observers. Rounding of the anterosuperior angle of the vertebral body was the most common defect in the study group. Vertebral defects of the study group were mainly at vertebrae C4 and C5.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A statistically significant correlation, worthy of further study, was found between transverse maxillary constriction and cervical vertebral defects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, Polyclinic Santa Maria Le Scotte, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 1, Siena, Italy. lucadivece@hotmail.it
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Di Vece
authors.forename: Giacomo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Faleri
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Picciotti
authors.forename: Lorenzini
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guido
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Giorgetti
mesh_terms: D001846:Bone Development / Q000502:physiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002508:Cephalometry; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000150:complications*; D008437:Maxilla / Q000002:abnormalities*; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013121:Spinal Curvatures / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology