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Cranio-cervical posture: a factor in the development and function of the dentofacial structures
1Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
European Journal of Orthodontics
|November 1, 2002
Summary
Cranio-cervical posture, the alignment of the head and neck, is linked to orthodontic issues and temporomandibular disorders. Understanding this relationship is crucial for clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial Anatomy
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Subjects with a large mandibular plane inclination exhibit extended head posture and forward-inclined cervical columns (extended cranio-cervical posture).
- Short-face morphology is often associated with lowered head carriage and backward-curved upper cervical spines (cervical lordosis).
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize findings from studies clarifying the relationship between cranio-cervical posture and clinical orthodontic problems.
- To highlight cranio-cervical posture as a significant functional factor in orthodontics.
Main Methods:
- Development of a concept for standardized head and cervical column posture.
- Description of procedures for recording posture and cephalometric variables.
Main Results:
- Survey of findings linking cranio-cervical posture to upper airway obstruction, craniofacial morphology, and malocclusion.
- Discussion of a post-natal developmental mechanism explaining these relationships.
- Recent findings connect extended cranio-cervical posture with temporomandibular disorders.
Conclusions:
- Cranio-cervical posture is a critical functional parameter with implications for various orthodontic issues.
- The relationship between cranio-cervical posture and craniofacial development warrants further investigation.