Maryam Arab, Yasmeen S El Ansari, Rafael Pelayo, Audrey Yoon
{"title":"Management of Paediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: From a Multidisciplinary to an Interdisciplinary Care Model.","authors":"Maryam Arab, Yasmeen S El Ansari, Rafael Pelayo, Audrey Yoon","doi":"10.1111/ocr.12930","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ocr.12930","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The objective of this study is to offer a comprehensive overview of paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a prevalent condition characterised by intermittent upper airway obstruction that impairs both ventilation and sleep. The design of the study was a literature review using an electronic search. The study extensively reviews the pathophysiology, epidemiology, sequelae and diagnostic approaches of paediatric OSA. It highlights the role of various healthcare professionals in the management of this disorder, with each specialist providing unique contributions to the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of OSA. The current state of sleep teams managing OSA is multidisciplinary, including sleep physicians, pulmonologists and otolaryngologists (ENT surgeons), each contributing distinct expertise. This review contrasts a multidisciplinary approach, which relies on separate expert contributions, with an interdisciplinary model that emphasises integrated, collaborative decision-making for comprehensive, patient-centred care. This review focuses on the interactions between dental and medical professionals, as other papers will provide more detailed insights into the roles of other specialists, such as myofunctional therapists, nutritionists and others. In conclusion, the evolution from a multidisciplinary to an interdisciplinary care model marks a significant development in clinical practice, enhancing cooperation and shared decision-making among healthcare professionals, thereby improving the quality of life for paediatric patients with OSA.</p>","PeriodicalId":19652,"journal":{"name":"Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research","volume":" ","pages":"423-432"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143972331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Caio Luiz Bitencourt Reis, Christian Kirschneck, Daniel Hemming, Eva Paddenberg-Schubert, Peter Proff, Daniela Silva Barroso de Oliveira, Cristiano Miranda de Araujo, Flares Baratto-Filho, Svenja Beisel-Memmert, Erika Calvano Küchler
{"title":"Intronic Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in FGFR2 Gene Association With Non-Syndromic Mandibular Retrognathism.","authors":"Caio Luiz Bitencourt Reis, Christian Kirschneck, Daniel Hemming, Eva Paddenberg-Schubert, Peter Proff, Daniela Silva Barroso de Oliveira, Cristiano Miranda de Araujo, Flares Baratto-Filho, Svenja Beisel-Memmert, Erika Calvano Küchler","doi":"10.1111/ocr.70081","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ocr.70081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Mandibular retrognathism (MR) is a skeletal malocclusion in which patients have a deficient mandibular length, resulting in a more posterior position of the mandible. We aimed to investigate the association between Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene and MR in germans.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Genomic DNA and lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained from orthodontic patients. Patients were allocated into the 'Retruded' group (SNB angle < 78°) and into the 'Well-positioned' group (SNB 78°-82°). The rs4752566, rs10736303, rs11200014, rs1078806, rs1219648, rs2981578 and rs2162540 SNPs were genotyped using real-time PCR. Allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies were compared (α = 5%).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 142 patients were included, 93 (65.5%) allocated into the 'Retruded' group and 49 (34.5%) into the 'Well-positioned' group. The allele T in rs2981578 SNP was statistically more frequent in the 'Retruded' group in both univariate (PR = 1.22; 95% CI, = 1.02-1.47) and multivariate (PR = 1.55; 95% CI, = 1.07-2.25) analyses (p < 0.05). The CT + TT genotypes were statistically more frequent in the 'Retruded' group in univariate (PR = 1.58; 95% CI, = 1.03-2.41) and multivariate (PR = 1.59; 95% CI, = 1.11-2.26) analysis (p < 0.05). All studied SNPs were associated with MR establishment in haplotype analysis (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SNPs in the FGFR2 are associated with MR and have the potential to serve as genetic biomarkers to early diagnosis and prediction of mandible growth.</p>","PeriodicalId":19652,"journal":{"name":"Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research","volume":" ","pages":"538-545"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13140033/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145952734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Update on Current Knowledge of Paediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: From Animal to Human Studies.","authors":"Takashi Ono, Carlos Flores-Mir","doi":"10.1111/ocr.12882","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ocr.12882","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Orthodontists' interest in paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea (PedOSA) has grown in popularity recently. We have seen growth modification treatment modalities, including maxillary expansion, promising the prevention or cure of PedOSA. Clinical approaches such as palatal expansion and mandibular and maxillary complex advancement have been proposed to manage PedOSA. These hypotheses should be adequately tested before clinical recommendations are formulated. This review aimed to narratively synthesise our current understanding of PedOSA management with craniofacial growth modification alternatives. Basic research on the biological basis of PedOSA has been conducted in animal models. Laboratory-based PedOSA studies wish to provide insight into the molecular biological mechanisms by which human PedOSA affects growth-associated structural and emotional growth and development. In the proposed IH animal model, mandibular growth (especially posterior anteroposterior and transverse dimensions) and condylar head bone density were more sensitive to IH exposure in adolescents but less in juvenile rats. Nevertheless, clear-cut statistical growth differences were limited. This suggests that IH, in this rat model, influenced mandibular morphology and metabolism later than earlier craniofacial growth stages. No impact was found for the maxillofacial complex in any plane of space. The existing human studies on the causes, risk factors, consequences, symptomatology, diagnosis and effects of PedOSA are discussed. However, there is a pressing need for further research to clarify whether craniofacial disturbances are consequences or facilitators of PedOSA. Several hypotheses about the potential impact of impaired craniofacial growth as a facilitator for PedOSA currently circulate.</p>","PeriodicalId":19652,"journal":{"name":"Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research","volume":" ","pages":"410-415"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142740196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yaqi Li, Tingting Zhao, Peter Ngan, Susu Yi, Zeyu Wei, Fang Hua, Hong He
{"title":"Hyoid Bone Position and Upper Airway Morphology of Children With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.","authors":"Yaqi Li, Tingting Zhao, Peter Ngan, Susu Yi, Zeyu Wei, Fang Hua, Hong He","doi":"10.1111/ocr.12873","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ocr.12873","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The objective of this systematic review was to summarise the existing evidence regarding hyoid bone position and upper airway morphology of children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Electronic searches were carried out in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and WorldCat databases without any restrictions on language from inception to March 2024. The studies which compared the hyoid bone position and upper airway morphology using lateral cephalograms between children with and without OSA will be included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the meta-analysis was conducted utilising random-effects model. Twelve cross-sectional studies and one case-control study were included. One study was rated as low quality, three as medium quality, five as high quality, and four as very high quality. Meta-analysis showed that compared to healthy children, children with OSA tended to have increased distance between hyoid bone and mandibular plane (Hy-MP, MD: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.90 to 4.77, p < 0.00001, I<sup>2</sup> = 72%), increased distance between hyoid bone and cervical vertebra (Hy-C3, MD: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.62 to 2.46, p = 0.001, I<sup>2</sup> = 68%), and a smaller airway space behind the soft palate (U-MPW, MD: -3.07, 95% CI: -4.76 to -1.38, p = 0.0004, I<sup>2</sup> = 68%). Whereas there was no significant difference in inferior posterior airway space between children with OSA and healthy controls (IPAS, MD: -1.51, 95% CI: -3.37 to 0.35, p = 0.11, I<sup>2</sup> = 71%). In children with OSA, the hyoid bone may exhibit a more anterior and inferior position and the airway posterior to the soft palate demonstrated a narrower dimension. Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42024528171).</p>","PeriodicalId":19652,"journal":{"name":"Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research","volume":" ","pages":"394-409"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142625168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Impact of Bite Turbos on the Pulpal Blood Flow in the Upper Central Incisors: A Prospective Clinical Study.","authors":"Mais Al-Tamimi, Kazem Al-Nimri, Samer Al-Qaqaa","doi":"10.1111/ocr.70097","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ocr.70097","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the influence of anterior bite turbos (ABT) on pulpal blood flow (PBF) changes in maxillary central incisors using Laser-Doppler Flowmetry (LDF).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Sixty-one patients with deep overbite were divided into two groups. Group I received 0.014 nickel titanium (NiTi) arch wire and composite ABT on the upper central incisors to correct the deep overbite; the second group (control group) received 0.014 NiTi arch wire only. LDF was used to measure the PBF at different time points (at baseline, 20 min, 48 h, 1 week, and 1 month after activation). The baseline PBF (without orthodontic force) was compared to the corresponding PBF measurements at the designated time intervals within each group. Changes in PBF between the two groups were compared to assess the impact of ABT on pulpal circulation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Complete data were obtained for 55 patients. PBF decreased significantly after force application in both groups and reached its maximum drop after 48 h. After 30 days, the average PBF values returned to baseline values in Group II but remained slightly less than basal values in Group I (0.4 mm/s). No statistically significant difference in PBF changes between the two groups at any time point. The overall change from 20 min to 48 h was greater in the bite turbo group than in the control group; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.078).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Using ABT does not cause irreversible changes to pulpal vasculature.</p>","PeriodicalId":19652,"journal":{"name":"Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research","volume":" ","pages":"562-568"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145934716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Juan Pablo Gómez, Camila Cuervo, C A Álvarez, Sebastian Durango, Puneet Batra, Sana Bint Aziz
{"title":"Effect of Thickness and Trim Lines on the Magnitude and Distribution of Transverse Forces Exerted by Thermoformed Plastic Aligners During Maxillary Arch Expansion.","authors":"Juan Pablo Gómez, Camila Cuervo, C A Álvarez, Sebastian Durango, Puneet Batra, Sana Bint Aziz","doi":"10.1111/ocr.70080","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ocr.70080","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The study evaluates the impact of thickness and trimming geometry on the magnitude and distribution of transverse forces applied by thermoformed plastic aligners during maxillary arch expansion.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomised experiment evaluated 60 aligners fabricated from PET-G in two distinct thicknesses (0.03 and 0.040 in.) and three different trimming geometries (G1-scalloped margins, G2-straight margins with 5 mm width and G3-straight margins with 10 mm extension). Transverse forces in the canine (C), first premolar (FP), second premolar (SP), first molar (FM), second molar (SM) and third molar (TM) were measured in newtons (N). Three measurement repetitions (original data plus two replicates) were implemented to generate sufficient degrees of freedom for the sum of squares of the error.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The maximum transverse force in the canine region was exerted by the PET-G aligner with a thickness of 0.040 in., with no significant difference observed between the G2 and G3 straight trim lines. However, the G1 scalloped trim line exerted significantly lower transverse forces. The G3 geometry with a 0.040-in. Polymer thickness consistently generated the highest forces in the premolar and molar regions. The average transverse forces decreased in an antero-posterior direction, with the highest force observed in the canine region and the least in the molar region.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The thickness and trimming pattern of orthodontic aligners significantly influence force delivery during transverse expansion. Transverse forces during expansion with aligners progressively reduce from the anterior to the posterior region.</p>","PeriodicalId":19652,"journal":{"name":"Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research","volume":" ","pages":"531-537"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145998692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Samara Thambar, Matthew D Wong, Sandra Schilling, Nitin Kapur
{"title":"Role of Nasopharyngeal Airway in Management of Craniofacial Syndrome-Associated Upper Airway Obstruction in Children.","authors":"Samara Thambar, Matthew D Wong, Sandra Schilling, Nitin Kapur","doi":"10.1111/ocr.12872","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ocr.12872","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Upper airway obstruction (UAO) management in children, particularly those with associated anatomical mid-face structural differences, poses a significant challenge. This study describes using a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) in managing infants with severe upper airway obstruction.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Infants discharged home from Queensland Children's Hospital with an NPA in situ for the management of upper airway obstruction were retrospectively evaluated for clinical and demographic parameters, underlying diagnoses and respiratory support, including NPA insertion details and comorbidities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty-seven children (24 male) were included with a median age at NPA insertion of 24 (IQR 7-59) days and a median duration of NPA use of 229.1 (IQR 151.50-297.75) days. Fifty-two (77.6%) had Pierre Robin sequence. Other diagnoses included CHARGE syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, Stickler syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, Bohring-Opitz syndrome, isolated cleft palate, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Chromosome 3 deletion and VACTERL association. Four infants required tracheostomy, and no complications related to NPA use were reported. Those with oximetry and polysomnography data showed improving indices following NPA insertion [pre NPA median (IQR) SpO<sub>2</sub>: 95.9% (94.73-97.73), AHI: 51.40 (44.50-69.45), OAHI 65.9 (56.45-73.35) and TcCO<sub>2</sub> (mmHg) 65.70 (61.95-67.30) vs. post-NPA median (IQR) SpO<sub>2</sub>: 97.1% (96.19-97.9), AHI: 12.20 (11.25-24.35), OAHI 10.20 (6.12-5.62) and TcCO<sub>2</sub> (mmHg) 52.40 (47.90-58.40)].</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings highlight the effectiveness and safety of NPA as a noninvasive management option for severe upper airway obstruction in children, particularly in those with anatomical midface structural differences. Further research and larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings and optimise management strategies for these patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":19652,"journal":{"name":"Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research","volume":" ","pages":"463-468"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142584002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stjepan Spalj, Martina Zigante, Vedrana Tudor, Taner Öztürk, Ahmet Yağcı, Juan Martin Palomo
{"title":"Effect of Maxillary Expansion and Protraction in Class III Children on Quality of Life, Dentofacial and Upper Airway Characteristics: A Controlled Clinical Trial.","authors":"Stjepan Spalj, Martina Zigante, Vedrana Tudor, Taner Öztürk, Ahmet Yağcı, Juan Martin Palomo","doi":"10.1111/ocr.12935","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ocr.12935","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore the relationship between early dentofacial orthopaedic treatment, improvement in the width of oropharynx and nasopharynx, and quality of life.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Thirty-three prepubertal children with skeletal Class III (median age 9 years; 56% females) received treatment with a maxillary expander and facemask. These subjects were matched with two control groups: one comprising an equal number of untreated Class III individuals, and the other consisting of untreated Class I controls. Cephalograms were analysed, and both children and their parents self-administered the Child Perceptions Questionnaire, Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire and Family Impact Scale.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Treated Class III cases showed significant increases in the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airway width (p ≤ 0.033), with greater changes in the nasopharyngeal width compared to untreated Class III cases (p = 0.040). Compared to untreated Class III and Class I groups, treated Class III cases exhibited reduced mandibular prominence and sagittal skeletal Class, increased overjet, overbite, vertical facial dimension, and greater retroclination and retrusion of mandibular incisors (p ≤ 0.011). Prior to and following orthodontic treatment, Class III cases reported a lower quality of life across all dimensions compared to Class I controls (p ≤ 0.032). An increase in maxillary anterior movement and oropharyngeal width correlated with a decrease in functional limitations reported by children (r = -0.411-(-0.413)); (p ≤ 0.022).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Maxillary expansion and protraction in prepubertal Class III children can enhance upper airways width, and children associate these improvements with a reduction in functional limitations.</p>","PeriodicalId":19652,"journal":{"name":"Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research","volume":" ","pages":"481-489"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13139985/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144040702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Postsurgical Rotational Flare Between the Proximal and Distal Segments of the Mandible Following Mandibular Setback Surgery.","authors":"Gyeong-Eun Mun, Sung-Hoon Lim, Jae Hyun Park","doi":"10.1111/ocr.70101","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ocr.70101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate postsurgical rotational flare between the proximal and distal segments of the mandible following mandibular setback surgery using three-dimensional analysis.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Cone-beam computed tomography scans from 30 patients who underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy were analysed. To minimise the influence of bone remodelling, the proximal segment (PS) at T1 (post-surgery) was superimposed onto the T2 (post-treatment) PS using stable reference areas, excluding the osteotomy sites, condyle, and gonial angle, to generate a modified T2 model. The T1 and modified T2 were then superimposed on the distal segment (DS), which served as the reference. Displacements of the medial and lateral condylar poles, coronion, and gonion were measured with respect to the DS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>When assessed using the DS as reference, the medial pole, lateral pole, and coronion showed significant posterior displacements (1.21, 1.57, and 1.24 mm; p < 0.001). Coronion also moved superiorly (0.74 mm, p < 0.001) and laterally (0.43 mm, p = 0.004), while gonion moved medially (0.65 mm, p < 0.001) without significant anteroposterior change (p = 0.468). No significant correlation was found with setback amount, vertical bony step, or its resolution.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The PS exhibited counterclockwise rotational flare and anterior-outward/posterior-inward yawing in relation to the DS. Incorporating surgical compensation for anticipated rotational flare-related relapse may enhance the predictability of mandibular setback outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":19652,"journal":{"name":"Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research","volume":" ","pages":"586-592"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145990252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kelly Billiaert, Mustafa Al-Yassary, Stavros Kiliaridis, Gregory S Antonarakis
{"title":"Evaluation of Head Posture in Wheelchair-Bound Individuals and Its Relation to Malocclusion: A Proof-of-Concept Study.","authors":"Kelly Billiaert, Mustafa Al-Yassary, Stavros Kiliaridis, Gregory S Antonarakis","doi":"10.1111/ocr.70098","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ocr.70098","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malocclusions are significantly more prevalent among individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Head posture, particularly in wheelchair-bound individuals, may play a role in craniofacial growth and occlusal development, but its specific impact remains poorly understood.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate head posture in wheelchair-bound individuals and assess potential correlations with malocclusion characteristics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty wheelchair-bound participants (aged 6-30 years) were categorised into three groups based on their head control (full, partial, or no control). Head posture was dynamically measured on three axes (pitch, roll and yaw) using an Inertial Measurement Unit for precise 3D tracking. Malocclusions, including molar and canine sagittal relationships, overjet, overbite and crossbites, were assessed through standardised clinical examinations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All wheelchair-bound participants showed significantly greater deviations in head posture compared to controls. The roll axis differed significantly across groups (p = 0.004), with the no control group exhibiting the greatest deviation. A significant correlation was observed between pitch axis deviation and sagittal molar relationships (r = -0.59, p = 0.006), indicating that a backward head posture was associated with Class II malocclusion, while a forward head posture was linked to Class III malocclusion. No significant correlations were found for the roll or yaw axes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Significant head posture deviations were detected in wheelchair-bound individuals, with those having no head control showing more extreme deviations. This study found significant correlations between antero-posterior head posture deviations and sagittal molar relationships in wheelchair-bound individuals, suggesting that head posture could be a contributing factor to malocclusions in this population. Given the limited sample, these results should be interpreted cautiously.</p>","PeriodicalId":19652,"journal":{"name":"Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research","volume":" ","pages":"569-575"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13140001/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145966693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}