title: Analysis of the morphometric characteristics of the cervical spine and its association with the development of temporomandibular disorders.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are frequently observed in various populations. They affect both the temporomandibular joints and several associated structures such as the cervical spine. In this observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, the authors assessed possible relationships between various cranio-cervical parameters and TMD.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study group consisted of 102 patients who were diagnosed with TMD and were treated at the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Concepción, Chile. The control group was composed of 99 subjects without TMD, treated at other clinics of the University of Concepción.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The following relationships between TMD and cranio-cervical parameters were found to be statistically significant: TMD and inversion of the hyoid triangle (p = 0.0060); TMD and depth of cervical curvature (p = 0.0302); TMD and deformity of the cervical vertebrae (p = 0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings suggest a significant relationship between TMD findings and both cephalometric and morphometric parameters of the cervical spine.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Dentistry , Universidad de Concepción , Concepción , Chile.
authors.forename: Homero Fernando
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Flores
authors.affiliation: b Research Centre in Dental Sciences (CICO) Faculty of Dentistry , Universidad de La Frontera , Temuco , Chile.
authors.forename: Nicolas Ernesto
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Ottone
authors.affiliation: b Research Centre in Dental Sciences (CICO) Faculty of Dentistry , Universidad de La Frontera , Temuco , Chile.
authors.forename: Ramón
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fuentes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002508:Cephalometry; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006928:Hyoid Bone / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cervical spine; Morphometry; Temporomandibular disorders