Cervical vertebra morphology in different skeletal classes. A three-dimensional computed tomography evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
To describe cervical vertebra morphology in subjects with different anteroposterior jaw relationships.


METHODS
Cone-beam computed tomography images of 31 female subjects aged 19 to 41 years were evaluated. Subjects constituted two groups according to the ANB angle: group 1, skeletal Class II (ANB angle >5); and group 2, skeletal Class III (ANB angle <1). Nine linear measurements and one angular measurement were used to assess the vertebral morphology. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
The mean atlas dorsal arch height was significantly shorter in Class II subjects compared with those in Class III (P < .05). The cervical vertebra morphological analysis by cone-beam computed tomography was of comparable precision to three-dimensional computed tomography evaluations. This study confirmed previous findings that Class II subjects have significantly lower atlas dorsal arch heights.


CONCLUSIONS
The height of the atlas dorsal arch of cervical vertebrae is affected by the anteroposterior skeletal pattern.
Watanabe
Miyuki
M
Department of Orthodontics, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan.
Yamaguchi
Tetsutaro
T
Maki
Koutaro
K
D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000473:pathology*; D008313:Malocclusion, Angle Class III / Q000473:pathology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D055815:Young Adult