Relationship Between Craniocervical Posture and Vertical Face Pattern in Class II Division 1 Malocclusion

Objectives: To evaluate the cervical inclination and craniocervical posture (CCP) in a sample of Class II Division 1 malocclusion with different vertical patterns among adult population in Lahore. Methods: A total of 70 adult skeletal Class II division 1 cases (ANB0 > 4) with Dental Class II malocclusion (molar relation half cusp or full cusp Class II) and Overjet > 5mm, were enrolled in this study. Clinical examination and lateral cephalograms taken in natural head position were traced to classify the malocclusion, determine vertical pattern and evaluation of craniocervical posture Results: Results of the study showed that extended craniocervical posture (forward cervical inclination with backward head rotation) was found in 47.1 % of the study group and was significantly correlated to the vertical pattern of the face (r = 0.496, p =0.000). This indicated that the CCP is not only related to sagittal craniofacial relations but also vertical pattern of the face and as the vertical pattern of face increased the cervical spine inclined forward and the head rotated backwards on spine. Flexed head posture was found to be the least prevalent. Subjects with high vertical pattern of facial development had extended CCP whereas subjects with normal vertical pattern mainly had normal CCP Conclusion: Results of this study suggest a significant relationship between Type of malocclusion and craniocervical posture. There was a moderately strong relationship between vertical pattern of the patient and cervical inclination and craniocervical posture which was highly significant.