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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
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Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
435
Relationship between cranial mechanics and dysmorphic dentofacial characteristics: a cross-sectional study
Sophie Fournier-Bourgier1, Romain Fournier, Martin Garet
1Research Department CIDO (Centre International d'Ostéopathie) , Saint-Etienne, France.
Cranio : the Journal of Craniomandibular Practice
|November 13, 2014
Summary
Osteopathic assessment of cranial movement correlates with orthodontic diagnoses of sagittal dysmorphologies. Cranial flexion relates to skeletal class III, while extension relates to skeletal class II.
Area of Science:
- Osteopathy
- Orthodontics
- Craniofacial Development
Background:
- Cranial dysfunctions assessed by osteopaths may relate to dentofacial characteristics.
- Cephalometric analysis is used by orthodontists to diagnose sagittal dysmorphologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation between osteopathically detected cranial dysfunctions and orthodontically diagnosed sagittal dysmorphologies.
- To investigate the relationship between cranial bone mobility and skeletal classes.
Main Methods:
- 106 children (6-12 years) were assessed by an osteopath for cranial movement (flexion/extension).
- Reproducibility was tested on 27 subjects.
- Cephalometric analysis determined sagittal dysmorphologies and spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS) angle.
Main Results:
- Osteopaths found more cranial movement in extension for skeletal class II patients.
- More cranial movement in flexion was found in skeletal class III patients.
- No significant difference in SOS angulation was observed across skeletal classes.
Conclusions:
- The study supports a correlation between cranial vault bone mobility and sagittal dentofacial characteristics.
- Developmental anomalies may lead to cranial flexion (skeletal class III) or extension (skeletal class II).
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