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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Three and Four-Dimensional Visualization and Analysis Approaches to Study Vertebrate Axial Elongation and Segmentation
Published on: February 28, 2021
Cervical vertebra morphology in different skeletal classes. A three-dimensional computed tomography evaluation
Miyuki Watanabe1, Tetsutaro Yamaguchi, Koutaro Maki
1Department of Orthodontics, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan.
Objective:
To describe cervical vertebra morphology in subjects with different anteroposterior jaw relationships.
Materials And 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.
Conclusion:
The height of the atlas dorsal arch of cervical vertebrae is affected by the anteroposterior skeletal pattern.
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