Background: Alterations in the head position and in cervical curvature are associated with mandibular dysfunction, an increased vertical occlusal dimension, upper airways obstruction and bad postural behaviors at work among other conditions.
Aim: To perform a cephalometric analysis in young adults.
Subjects and methods: Lateral cervical X-ray examinations were performed in 46 university students (26 female) aged 19 years old as a mean, Cephalometric landmarks and planes reported by Sollow & Tallgren, determined by investigators, were used for radiographic analysis.
Results: The combined error of the method did not exceed 0.9 degree for any studied variable. Mean craniocervical angulations were 102 degrees for OPT-SNL, 109 degrees for CVT-SNL, 94.8 degrees for cranium-C2 and 105 for SN-vertical. There were significant sex differences in craniocervical angulations and these were abnormal in two thirds of subjects studies. The Forward Head Position is characterized by a cervical compensation with head inclination. This abnormal postural position showed a dolichofacial growth and an alteration of hyoid angle.
Conclusions: The craniocervical position appeared to be related to a vertical craniofacial growth pattern.