Cervical curvature. A cephalometric analysis in a position of clinical rest

Background: Alterations int he head position and in cervical curvature are associated with mandibular dysfunction, an increased vertical occlusal dime nsion, upper airways obstruction and bad postural behaviors at work among o ther conditions. Aim: To perform a cephalometric analysis in young adults. Subjects and methods: Lateral cervical X-ray examinations were performed in 46 university students (26 female) aged 19 years old as a mean. Cephalomet ric landmarks and planes reported by Sollow & Tallgren, determined by inves tigators, were used for radiographic analysis. Results: The combined error of the method did not exceed 0.9 degrees for any studied variable. Mean cra niocervical angulations were 102 degrees for OPT-SNL, 109 degrees for CVT-S NL, 94.8 degrees for craneum-C2 and 105 for SN-vertical. There were signifi cant sex differences in craniocervical angulations and these were abnormal in two thirds of subjects studies. The Forward Head Position is characteriz ed by a cervical compensation with head inclination. This abnormal postural position showed a dolichofacial growth and an alteration of hyoid angle. C onclusions: The craniocervical position appeared to be related to a vertica l craniofacial growth pattern.