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Updated: May 12, 2026

Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
Systematic review: craniocervical posture and craniofacial morphology
Liliane de C Rosas Gomes1, Karla O Carpio Horta, João Roberto Gonçalves
1Department of Orthodontics, Araraquara School of Dentistry, UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
This systematic review found significant associations between head and cervical posture and craniofacial morphology. However, results require careful interpretation due to low to moderate correlations and conflicting findings, necessitating further longitudinal research.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Physical Therapy
- Anatomy
Background:
- Head and cervical posture are critical factors influencing craniofacial development.
- Understanding the relationship between posture and craniofacial morphology is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize published evidence on the association between head and cervical posture and craniofacial morphology.
- To evaluate the quality of existing research in this field.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive electronic literature search was performed across major databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane) up to March 2012.
- Two independent reviewers selected and evaluated 84 articles based on predefined inclusion criteria, ultimately including 12 studies.
- Methodological quality assessment revealed scores ranging from 'weak' to 'moderate'.
Main Results:
- Significant associations were identified between head and cervical posture variables and craniofacial morphology.
- Correlation coefficients ranged from low to moderate, indicating a need for cautious interpretation.
- Conflicting results were observed for certain postural variables, highlighting inconsistencies in the current evidence.
Conclusions:
- While associations exist, the relationship between head/cervical posture and craniofacial morphology is complex and requires careful interpretation.
- The current evidence base, largely consisting of cross-sectional studies, is limited.
- Further high-quality longitudinal studies are crucial to elucidate the causal relationships and developmental aspects of this association.
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